Anita had owned her electric blanket for three years. She'd bought it in a well-known department store, used it most nights during winter, and never had a problem with it. On a cold February evening, she switched it on as usual, tucked herself in, and settled down to read. Within twenty minutes, she noticed the blanket felt warmer than normal, but she thought nothing of it at first.
Then it got hot. Very hot. So hot that Anita threw back the duvet and jumped out of bed, her heart racing. The blanket was now almost too hot to touch. She unplugged it immediately, her hands trembling. When she examined her legs and lower back where the blanket had been in direct contact with her skin, she saw angry red marks already forming. Over the next few hours, the burns became worse — blistering, painful, and clearly serious enough that she knew she needed medical help.
At the hospital, the doctors diagnosed her with second-degree burns across roughly 12% of her lower body. The pain was intense, and the treatment was lengthy. For weeks, she had to attend wound clinic appointments, apply special creams, and manage the psychological impact of the injury. The scarring was permanent, and the whole experience shook her confidence.
A week after the incident, Anita received a letter from the blanket manufacturer. It was a recall notice — the very product she owned had been flagged as a fire and overheating hazard and was being recalled. Anita felt a mixture of anger and disbelief. She had never received any notification of the recall before the burn happened. No email, no letter, no alert. She searched online and found the recall had been announced six months earlier. The manufacturer had listed the recall on their website, but no attempt had been made to contact her directly.
Feeling both injured and ignored, Anita contacted eSolicitors.ie. She knew she shouldn't have to pay for medical treatment or bear the physical and emotional cost of using a product that was known to be dangerous. Within days, she was connected with a solicitor who specialised in defective product claims.
In Ireland, the Liability for Defective Products Act 1991 exists specifically to protect people like Anita. This law is clear: if a product is defective and causes you injury or damage, the manufacturer is liable — regardless of whether they were negligent or careless.
This means you don't have to prove that the manufacturer did something wrong. You don't have to show negligence or that they broke safety rules. You simply need to prove that:
1. The product was defective (it didn't perform as safely as a reasonable person would expect)
2. You suffered injury or loss because of that defect
3. There's a connection between the defect and your injury
In Anita's case, the electric blanket overheated dangerously — something a reasonable person would not expect from a blanket. The defect caused her burns. That's a clear breach of the manufacturer's liability under the law.
Under Irish law, compensation for a defective product injury typically covers:
Medical costs: All treatment, hospital visits, wound care, and ongoing medical support related to the injury.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain you experienced and the emotional distress caused by the injury.
Scarring and disfigurement: If the injury has left permanent marks or scars, you're entitled to compensation for that.
Loss of earnings: If the injury meant you couldn't work, you can claim for lost income.
Future care: If you'll need ongoing treatment or support because of the injury, that's included.
In Anita's case, the burns were significant, the scarring was permanent, and she'd need ongoing dermatological care. Her claim also accounted for the emotional trauma of the incident and the fact that the manufacturer had failed to notify her of the known hazard. Her settlement reflected the seriousness of her injuries and the manufacturer's failure of duty.
You have 3 years from the date of your injury (or from the date you became aware the product caused the injury) to bring a claim under the Liability for Defective Products Act 1991.
After three years, you lose the right to claim compensation, even if you have a strong case. In Anita's case, she acted within weeks of the incident, well within the time limit. But if you've had an injury from a defective product, don't wait. Contact a legal professional immediately to protect your rights.
Defective product claims can be complex, and the 3-year time limit means you need to act fast. If you believe you have a valid claim like Anita's, don't hesitate to seek legal advice. Many solicitors in Ireland offer free initial consultations to discuss your case.
Remember: manufacturers must ensure their products are safe. When they fail to do so and you suffer injury as a result, you have the right to claim compensation. Anita's successful case shows that with the right evidence and professional support, justice is possible.
Tell Sarah what happened. She will explain your options and match you with the right solicitor in your county — completely free, no obligation.
Tell Sarah what happened. She will explain your options and match you with the right solicitor in your county — completely free, no obligation.