Tabletop Fire Pit Lawsuit [Nov 2025]

Tabletop Fire Pit Lawsuits – How Victims Can Sue for Burn Injuries

When a tabletop fire pit explodes and causes a person to be burned, the results can be catastrophic—causing severe burns, permanent scarring, and lifelong trauma. These accidents are not random. They are the predictable outcome of unsafe designs and inadequate warnings by manufacturers.

At The Louthian Law Firm, P.A., our personal injury attorneys help burn survivors and families hold negligent companies accountable. This guide explains what tabletop alcohol fire pits are, why they’re so dangerous, and what legal options may be available if you or someone you love was injured.

What Are Tabletop Alcohol Fire Pits and Why They Can Cause Catastrophic Burns

Tabletop alcohol fire pits are portable decorative devices that burn liquid alcohol as fuel. Manufacturers market them as safe indoor/outdoor ambiance creators. These products use isopropyl alcohol or bioethanol poured into open reservoirs.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission documented over 60 severe injuries and two deaths since 2019. These devices violate voluntary safety standard ASTM F3363-19. The standard prohibits products that allow liquid fuel to pool and ignite in open containers.

The Hidden Dangers of Fire Pits Manufacturers Don’t Disclose

Liquid alcohol burns at 1600°F with nearly invisible flames. Users cannot see the fire’s true size or location. The extreme temperature causes third-degree burns in less than one second.

Alcohol vapors are heavier than air and accumulate around the device. These invisible vapors extend far beyond the visible flame area. Any ignition source can trigger explosive flame jetting that shoots fire across rooms.

The lightweight design makes units prone to tipping. Spilled burning alcohol spreads rapidly across surfaces. The liquid adheres to skin and clothing, continuing to burn until completely extinguished.

How Tabletop Fire Pit Explosions Happen and The Burn Injuries They Cause

Flame Jetting: The Primary Explosion Mechanism

Flame jetting occurs when accumulated vapors ignite suddenly. The explosion happens most often during refueling attempts. Users add fuel to warm containers, not realizing residual heat ignites vapors instantly.

The fireball expands outward at high velocity. Burning liquid propels unpredictably in all directions. Victims have no time to react or protect themselves from the explosive flames.

Multiple ignition attempts create larger vapor clouds. Each failed lighting attempt adds more fuel vapors to surrounding air. The eventual ignition produces an explosion larger than users expect.

Common Accident Scenarios of fire pits / fire pots

Refueling accidents – Adding fuel to warm units causes an immediate explosion. Manufacturer instructions fail to warn about vapor accumulation. The invisible flame ignites new fuel instantly.

Tip-over incidents – Unstable units spill burning alcohol across surfaces. Liquid fire spreads to furniture, carpets and clothing. Multiple victims suffer burns from a single tip-over event.

Delayed ignition – Accumulated vapors create a time-bomb effect. Ignition can occur minutes after fuel is added. Victims assume the device is safe when no immediate flame appears.

Types of Catastrophic Burn Injuries

Third-degree burns destroy all skin layers and underlying tissue. These burns appear white, black, or leathery. Nerve destruction eliminates pain sensation, indicating severity.

Second-degree burns damage multiple skin layers causing blistering. These injuries require months of wound care. Scarring is permanent even with optimal treatment.

Inhalation injuries occur from breathing superheated gases. Airways swell shut, requiring emergency intubation. Lung damage may necessitate long-term ventilator support.

Facial disfigurement happens because units sit at face height. Children are especially vulnerable due to their stature. Facial burns require multiple reconstructive surgeries over years.

Who Bears Legal Responsibility for Your Liquid Burning Fire Pit Injuries

Manufacturer Liability

Manufacturers bear primary responsibility for defective designs. They created products that violate established safety standards. Companies knew or should have known about flame jetting dangers through basic testing.

These companies chose profits over consumer safety. They marketed dangerous products as family-friendly. Internal documents often reveal knowledge of the dangers before injuries occurred.

Design defects make products unreasonably dangerous regardless of warnings. Manufacturing defects affect specific units due to production errors. Marketing defects involve inadequate warnings about known dangers.

Distributor and Importer Accountability

Distributors brought dangerous products into the U.S. stream of commerce. They failed to verify that the products met safety standards. Their negligence enabled these dangerous products to reach consumers.

Importers have duties to ensure product safety compliance. They cannot claim ignorance about products they profit from. Liability extends throughout the distribution chain.

Many distributors are large corporations with substantial insurance coverage. This provides additional compensation sources for victims. Joint liability ensures victims can recover even if manufacturers lack assets.

Retailer Responsibility

Retailers sold products they knew or should have known were dangerous. Some continued to sell the products even after receiving injury reports. Their platforms gave dangerous products credibility and reach.

Large retailers have quality control obligations. They failed to test or investigate the products to make sure they were safe before selling them. Their negligence contributed directly to consumers’ injuries.

Online marketplaces enabled third-party sales. Algorithm-based promotions pushed dangerous products to consumers. These platforms profited from each dangerous unit sold.

Call The Louthian Firm at (803) 712-4771 to discuss your fire pit injury claim with an attorney. We’ll identify all liable parties to maximize your compensation.

How Do I File a Lawsuit Against a Tabletop Fire Pit Manufacturer

Determining Proper Jurisdiction

Federal court handles cases involving out-of-state defendants. Diversity jurisdiction applies when damages exceed $75,000. Most burn cases meet this threshold easily.

State courts may offer advantages for local defendants. Some states have more favorable laws for plaintiffs. Venue selection can significantly impact case outcomes.

Legal Theories for Maximum Recovery

Strict product liability requires no proof of manufacturer negligence. You and your attorney must prove the product was defective when sold. The defect must have caused injuries during foreseeable use.

Negligence claims focus on unreasonable manufacturer conduct. Companies failed to test products adequately before selling. They ignored industry standards and safety regulations. This is likely the most probable cause.

Breach of warranty applies to express and implied promises. Marketing claims about safety create express warranties. All products carry implied warranties of merchantability and fitness.

Critical Filing Deadlines

Statutes of limitations vary by state from one to four years. Missing deadlines eliminates your right to any compensation. Some states extend deadlines for defective product cases.

Discovery rules may extend deadlines which may help victims who don’t immediately connect their injuries to product defects. Consult a personal injury attorney immediately to preserve your rights.

Tolling provisions pause deadlines for minors until age 18. Fraudulent concealment by manufacturers may extend deadlines. Each state has specific rules requiring legal analysis.

Essential Evidence for Your Tabletop Fire Pit Injury Case

Physical Evidence Preservation

The fire pit device is crucial evidence requiring immediate preservation. Do not clean, repair, or alter the unit. Store it securely where nobody can access or modify it.

Fuel containers and packaging prove what products were used. Keep original bottles showing brand and alcohol percentage. Preserve any instruction manuals or warning labels.

Purchase documentation establishes when and where you bought the product. Credit card statements, receipts, and online order confirmations prove ownership. This links you directly to the defective product.

Medical Documentation Requirements

Emergency treatment records document initial injury severity. Paramedic reports describe the scene and immediate injuries. Emergency room records establish the extent of the burns and is something injury attorneys rely on heavily in these types of cases.

Ongoing treatment documentation proves continuing damages. Surgery reports, therapy notes, and medication lists show the scope of treatment . Future treatment plans project long-term costs.

Photograph injuries throughout the healing process. Visual documentation impacts juries more than written descriptions. Photos prove scarring and disfigurement permanence.

Witness and Expert Evidence

Eyewitness accounts provide independent verification of events. Written statements should be obtained immediately while memories are fresh. Video recordings of witness interviews preserve testimony.

Expert analysis strengthens technical aspects of your case. Engineers identify design defects and safety violations. Medical experts project future treatment needs and costs.

Fire investigation reconstructs exactly how the explosion occurred. Burn patterns reveal flame direction and intensity. This proves the product defect caused your specific injuries.

Compensation Available for Tabletop Fire Pit Burn Victims

How Much Are Fire Pit Lawsuits Worth?

Minor burns (first/second-degree): $50,000-$150,000
Moderate burns requiring surgery: $250,000-$500,000
Severe burns with permanent scarring: $500,000-$2 million
Catastrophic injuries or death: $2-5 million+

Punitive damages can triple compensation. Each case’s value depends on medical costs, lost wages, and disfigurement severity.

Economic Damages: Quantifiable Losses

Medical expenses include all past and future treatment costs. Emergency care, surgeries, and medications are fully compensable. Skin grafts alone can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Lost wages cover work missed for treatment and recovery. Future earning capacity loss applies when injuries prevent returning to previous work. Vocational experts calculate lifetime earnings impacts.

Life care expenses encompass ongoing needs from permanent injuries. Home modifications, assistive devices, and personal care assistance add up quickly. These costs continue for life in severe cases.

Non-Economic Damages: Human Suffering

Pain and suffering compensates for the physical agony endured. Burn injuries cause excruciating acute and chronic pain. Compensation reflects both intensity and duration and is something burn injury attorneys are acutely familiar with.

Emotional distress addresses psychological trauma from disfiguring injuries. PTSD, depression and anxiety are common after burn injuries. Mental health treatment and reduced quality of life warrant compensation.

Loss of consortium compensates spouses for impact on their relationships . Burn injuries affect intimacy and companionship.

Punitive Damages: Punishing Corporate Wrongdoing

Courts may award punitive damages for egregious corporate conduct. Manufacturers who knew about dangers but continued sales may face punishment. These awards deter future dangerous behavior.

Evidence of prior injuries strengthens punitive damage claims. Internal documents showing danger awareness are powerful. Some states cap punitive awards while others don’t limit them.

The Louthian Firm fights for maximum compensation including punitive damages when appropriate. Call (803) 712-4771 for your free consultation with our lead trial attorney.

Affected Products, Brands and Retailers Named in Recalls and Lawsuits

Colsen Fire Pits

Recalled 89,500 units in October 2024 after reports of flame-jetting explosions.
19 reported burn injuries before recall, including third-degree burns covering 40 % of victims’ bodies.
Sold through Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, and specialty retailers nationwide.
Models included rectangular, round, and hexagonal tabletop designs.

FLIKRFIRE / FLIKR Inc.

Marketed as a “personal fireplace” for indoor use.
Cited in multiple CPSC warnings and wrongful-death investigations.
Lacked flame arrestors and safety indicators required under ASTM F3363-19.

Aikami Fire Pits

Frequently sold through Amazon and TikTok Shop.
Users report rapid flash-ignition events and fuel leaks from concrete pores.
Under investigation for potential design-defect claims.

Chandelita Tabletop Fire Bowls

Imported decorative fire bowls marketed as “eco-friendly.”
Advertised for small-space indoor use despite lacking vapor barriers.

Ciekope Tabletop Fireplaces

Low-cost ethanol burners sold under various listings.
Inconsistent manufacturing quality; several near-miss injury reports online.

Glanzfeuer Tabletop Units

European-style ethanol fireplaces sold through Wayfair and Amazon Global.
Marketed as premium products but share the same open-fuel design flaws.

GrayHoo Fire Pots

Lightweight concrete models prone to cracking and leaking fuel.
Commonly sold via Amazon third-party storefronts.

Housewise Vesper

Compact alcohol burners distributed through home-goods boutiques and online retailers.
Featured “modern” minimalist design but lacked flame-control mechanisms.

Hranboty Tabletop Fire Pits

Budget-priced models linked to multiple consumer-complaint filings in 2024–2025.
Packaging lacked English-language safety instructions.

Iker Home Fire Bowls

Marketed as “smokeless” décor items.
Advertised for indoor use despite high flame-jetting risk.

Montek Mini Fire Pits

Sold heavily on Amazon and Walmart.com during 2023–2025 holiday seasons.
CPSC-style warnings cited after reports of “whoosh” ignitions.

Pfoozy / Poofzy Fire Pits

Brand associated with a 2025 incident involving a 17-year-old burn victim.
Investigations allege faulty fuel-pouring design and missing safety screens.

Sportkee Fire Bowls

Marketed to outdoor-sport enthusiasts as compact camp accessories.
Shared design elements with recalled Colsen models.

Zgrmbo Fire Pots

Online-only brand sold through Amazon Marketplace.
Manufactured overseas with limited safety documentation.
Lacked required flame-control components.

Roundfire Concrete Tabletop Fire Pits

Heavy concrete construction created a false perception of safety.
Flame-jetting incidents occurred despite “premium” labeling.
Sold through major e-commerce platforms and boutique retailers.

Additional Brands Under Investigation

TIKI Brand Fire Pits
Gardenline
Voda
Decofire
Palo
Various Amazon and TikTok third-party sellers

Retailers Who Sold These Units

Five Below – Sold thousands at $5-15 price points targeting young consumers
Walmart – Distributed through stores and Walmart.com nationwide
Amazon – Enabled third-party sellers without safety verification
Target – Sold designer models at premium prices
Wayfair – Online-only sales prevented in-person safety inspection
Home Depot – Marketed as patio accessories without adequate warnings
Lowe’s – Positioned near grilling supplies suggesting safety
CVS/Walgreens – Sold smaller units as impulse purchases

Common Injury Patterns

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identified common injury patterns across reported cases. Most victims were using products exactly as instructed. Injuries occurred during normal refueling or lighting attempts.

Children represent 25% of reported burn victims. Their height puts them at face-level with tabletop units. Severity increases due to thinner skin and smaller body mass.

Group gatherings account for 40% of incidents. Multiple victims suffer injuries from single explosions. Families face overwhelming medical costs from multiple simultaneous injuries.

State-Specific Information

Because tort laws vary across the United States, several states have unique rules and procedures that can affect your case. Our attorneys have outlined some of the states for you with the most significant differences below:

South Carolina

Statute of limitations: 3 years from injury date
Liability standard: Strict product liability applies
Comparative fault: Recovery allowed up to 50% victim fault
Joint liability: All defendants responsible for full damages

Georgia

Statute of limitations: 2 years from injury date
Liability standard: Must prove defect existed when sold
Comparative fault: Recovery barred if victim 50% or more at fault
Punitive damages: There is a limit in some cases and no limit in others. In most cases, the limit is $250,000. Product Liability Cases – There is no punitive damages limit in product liability cases. That’s because the plaintiff is usually suing a company in a product liability case.

Louisiana

Statute of limitations: Thanks to House Bill 315, Act 423, the law in Louisiana has changed! Effective July 1, 2024, the statute of limitations for most claims has been doubled to two years. The new statute of limitations only applies to incidents occurring on or after July 1, 2024. You only have one year to file a claim for an incident that occurred before.
Liability standard: Louisiana Products Liability Act governs
Comparative fault: Recovery allowed even at 99% victim fault
Solidarity: In Louisiana, the law can hold several different parties responsible when a defective product causes a serious injury. Under the Louisiana Products Liability Act (LPLA), the law does not limit liability to just the company that built the product. Depending on how the defect occurred, the manufacturer, distributor or even the retailer may be accountable for the harm. In Louisiana, strict products liability is governed by the Louisiana Products Liability Act (LPLA). Under the LPLA, manufacturers are held strictly liable for damage caused by their products if the product is found to be defective)

Florida

Statute of limitations: 4 years from injury date
Liability standard: Strict liability with consumer-friendly laws
Comparative fault: Pure comparative (recovery at any fault level)
Punitive damages: No caps for intentional misconduct

Texas

Statute of limitations: 2 years from injury date
Liability standard: Must prove specific defect caused injury
Comparative fault: No recovery if victim over 50% at fault
Venue: Frequent MDL host for mass tort cases

New York

Statute of limitations: 3 years from injury date
Liability standard: Broad theories including market share – liability could fall on several parties, including the product manufacturer, the distributor, the retailer, or the property owner where the injury occurred. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the specific circumstances.
Comparative fault: Pure comparative fault system
Punitive damages: Requires clear and convincing evidence

Virginia

Statute of limitations: 2 years from injury date
Liability standard: Strict liability available despite harsh negligence rule
Comparative fault: Pure contributory negligence bars recovery for any victim fault
Federal option: Diversity jurisdiction may avoid harsh state rules

California

Statute of limitations: 2 years from injury date
Liability standard: Strong consumer protection laws apply
Comparative fault: Pure comparative allows any-fault recovery
Prop 51: Limits non-economic damage liability

Illinois

Statute of limitations: 2 years from injury date
Favorable venues: Madison, St. Clair, Cook Counties known for plaintiff verdicts
Liability standard: Joint and several liability protects victims
Strategic advantage: Extensive mass tort experience in state courts

Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights After a Fire Pit Injury – Speak with an experienced burn injury and product liability lawyer at The Louthian Firm

We work on contingency fees—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs so finances don’t prevent justice.

Our attorneys have secured millions in settlements for victims of accidents involving significant injuries and wrongful death and understand the devastating impact these injuries have on families. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.

“We treat every client as we’d want our own family treated— with compassion, clarity, and commitment.” — Bert Louthian

Free Consultation | 24 / 7 Availability
📞 Call (803) 712-4771 to speak with a real attorney today.

Seeking truth. Securing justice.

Important Resources

Quick Answers to Common Fire Pit Injury Lawsuit Questions

How Long Does a Fire Pit Lawsuit Take?

Most fire pit injury lawsuits resolve within 18-36 months through settlement. Complex cases requiring trial can extend to 3-5 years. Severe burn cases with clear liability often settle faster. Individual case factors determine exact timelines.

How to Sue Amazon for a Fire Pit Injury

Amazon faces liability under 2024 CPSC rulings declaring them distributors, not mere marketplaces. Document your purchase through order history. Preserve all communications and product listings. File claims against Amazon’s LLC entity and third-party seller. Recent precedents support marketplace liability for defective products sold through their platform.

How to Prove the Fire Pit Was Defective

Demonstrate absence of flame arrestors required by ASTM F3363-19. Show product matches recalled models even if different brands. Document flame jetting capability through expert testing. Obtain similar incident reports from the CPSC database. Manufacturing records revealing known dangers strengthen claims. Product testing videos prove the existence of a defect.

What If I Threw Away the Fire Pit?

Disposal doesn’t eliminate your lawsuit rights. Alternative evidence includes purchase records, photos, medical descriptions, and witness accounts. CPSC actually recommends disposal of dangerous units. Courts understand safety concerns motivating disposal. Your testimony combined with supporting documentation can prove the defective product caused injuries without physical evidence.

How to Sue if I Threw Away the Fire Pit

Purchase receipts and credit card records prove product ownership. Medical records describing the device establish product type. Witness statements and photos document the unit’s appearance. Amazon/retailer order history shows exact model purchased. Expert testimony can establish defect patterns without the physical product. Prior recalls of identical models may support claims.

What If the Fire Pit Was a Gift?

Gift givers aren’t liable unless they modified the product. You can still sue manufacturers and retailers. Gift receipts or giver testimony can help establish the source of the product.. Credit card records from gift purchasers may help identify defendants. Product registration or warranty cards may provide additional proof. Gift status doesn’t affect a manufacturer’s liability for defects.

What Are My Rights If Injured at Someone Else’s House?

You have claims against both product manufacturers and potentially the homeowner. Product liability claims proceed regardless of injury location. Homeowner’s insurance may provide immediate compensation. Premises liability applies if the homeowner knew of the dangers.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Fire Pit Lawsuits?

Most states allow 2-3 years from the date of injury to file lawsuits. Louisiana has the shortest deadline at one year. Florida allows four years. Discovery rules may extend deadlines if injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Minor victims’ deadlines may extend until age 18-21. Each state’s specific rules require immediate legal consultation.

What If Insurance Already Paid Medical Bills?

The fact that your medical bills have been paid by insurance doesn’t prevent you from being able to pursue a claim.

Why Were Tabletop Fire Pits Allowed to Be Sold?

Safety standards were voluntary, not mandatory before recent CPSC action. Manufacturers self-certified compliance without independent testing. Regulatory gaps allowed dangerous products into commerce. CPSC lacks pre-market approval authority unlike the FDA. Import controls failed to catch violations. Profit motives overrode safety concerns until injuries mounted.

Why Didn’t Amazon Remove Dangerous Fire Pits?

Amazon claimed marketplace immunity, denying distributor responsibilities until 2024. Algorithm-based listings prevented human safety review. Third-party seller model obscured accountability. Profitable sales incentivized continued availability despite injury reports. Legal precedent recently shifted, establishing Amazon’s liability. Current removal efforts follow CPSC pressure and litigation risks.

Can I Sue If I Already Got a Refund?

Yes. Product refunds don’t waive injury claims. Refunds only cover purchase price, not injury damages. Manufacturers cannot condition refunds on liability releases. Your medical costs and suffering far exceed refund amounts. Courts consistently rule refunds don’t bar personal injury lawsuits. Document refund separately from injury claim.

Can I Sue Amazon or Walmart for Fire Pit Injuries?

Yes. Recent legal precedents establish retailer liability for defective products. Amazon’s 2024 CPSC ruling confirms distributor status. Walmart’s quality control obligations create liability. Both companies’ substantial roles in product distribution support claims. Their deep pockets provide recovery sources when manufacturers lack insurance. Retailer liability strengthens victim compensation prospects.

Can I Sue If Injured at a Restaurant or Airbnb?

Yes. Multiple parties face potential liability. Product manufacturers remain primarily responsible. Commercial property owners may have premises liability. Business insurance often covers guest injuries. Airbnb hosts’ homeowner policies may apply. Commercial use increases the duty of care. Document everything and pursue all liable parties.

Can I Sue If Fire Pit Wasn’t on the Recall List?

Yes. Recalls cover only reported models, not all defective units. Identical products under different brands share defects. Your unit may predate recall identification. Similar design defects create liability regardless of recall status. Expert analysis proves defect existence. Many successful lawsuits involve non-recalled products with proven defects.

Who Is Liable for Fire Pit Injuries?

Manufacturers bear primary strict liability. Retailers face liability for selling dangerous products. Distributors and importers share responsibility. Amazon and online marketplaces now face distributor liability. Property owners may have premises liability. Insurance companies provide coverage layers. Multiple defendants increase recovery chances. Experienced plaintiffs’ attorneys specializing in personal injury and burn injuries will identify all potential defendants.

Do I Qualify for a Fire Pit Injury Lawsuit?

Direct burn victims have primary claims. Family members can recover for emotional distress from witnessing injuries. Spouses claim loss of consortium. Parents recover for children’s injuries. Estate representatives pursue wrongful death claims. Bystanders injured by explosions qualify. Property damage victims have claims. Anyone harmed by defective fire pits may qualify.

When Will Fire Pit Lawsuits Settle?

Early settlements are occurring now for clear liability cases.

When Is It Too Late to Sue for Fire Pit Injuries?

Most states require filing within 2-3 years of injury. Louisiana has a one-year deadline (shortest nationally). Discovery rule may extend the deadline from when injury cause is identified. Minors’ claims may toll until adulthood. Fraudulent concealment extends deadlines. Each day matters—contact an injury attorney immediately. Missing deadlines eliminates all compensation rights permanently.

How Victims Can Sue for Burn Injuries

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