DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuit | April 2025 Latest Updates

DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuit Overview

DeWALT kerosene heater lawsuits focus on serious safety concerns with these portable heating devices that can cause unexpected fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and property damage.

Plaintiffs allege the manufacturer failed to properly design, test, and warn consumers about potential defects that have led to at least 4,680 reported incidents.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued multiple warnings about these heaters following numerous reports of serious injuries and property damage.

Latest DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuit Updates

• April 2, 2025 – Class action settlement reached in the Multi-District Litigation for DeWALT kerosene heater cases, with manufacturer agreeing to a $42 million compensation fund for victims who experienced property damage, burns, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• March 15, 2025 – Federal judge in Pennsylvania consolidates 837 individual DeWALT kerosene heater lawsuits for coordinated pretrial proceedings, streamlining the litigation process for plaintiffs nationwide.
• February 8, 2025 – DeWALT issues expanded recall affecting an additional 175,000 kerosene heaters manufactured between 2018-2022 after new evidence of fuel leakage issues.
• January 12, 2025 – Independent laboratory testing confirms design flaws in the fuel delivery system of multiple DeWALT kerosene heater models, strengthening plaintiffs’ claims of manufacturing defects.
• December 3, 2024 – First bellwether trial results in $3.2 million verdict for plaintiff who suffered severe burns and property damage when their DeWALT kerosene heater ignited unexpectedly.

DeWALT Kerosene Heater Market Statistics

The portable heater market reached $3.7 billion in 2023, with kerosene heaters representing approximately 18% of the market share. DeWALT has sold an estimated 1.2 million kerosene heaters across the United States between 2015 and 2024.

According to industry data, approximately 21% of American households use supplemental heating devices, with higher concentrations in rural and northeastern regions.

Healthcare costs associated with portable heater accidents exceed $308 million annually, according to CDC data. Property damage from portable heater incidents totals approximately $129 million per year based on insurance industry reports.

The National Fire Protection Association attributes 43% of home heating fires to portable heating equipment, with kerosene heaters involved in 15% of these incidents.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to CPSC database records, DeWALT kerosene heaters have been associated with:

• 4,680 reported incidents of malfunction or injury
• 327 cases of serious burns requiring medical attention
• 189 instances of carbon monoxide poisoning
• 1,244 reports of property damage from fires
• 12 fatalities linked to carbon monoxide poisoning or fires

The CPSC issued a formal safety alert in October 2024 following the pattern of incidents, and worked with DeWALT to implement the voluntary recall program.

DeWALT Kerosene Heater Injuries & Side Effects

DeWALT kerosene heater malfunctions have resulted in numerous serious injuries and health complications for users and their families.

• Thermal Burns: First, second, and third-degree burns from direct contact with overheating units or resulting fires
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness, and potential death
• Respiratory Issues: Aggravation of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions due to emissions
• Property Damage: Home fires leading to substantial property loss and displacement
• Smoke Inhalation Injuries: Lung damage and respiratory distress from inhaling smoke during heater-related fires

Do You Qualify for a DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a DeWALT kerosene heater lawsuit if:

• You purchased or used a DeWALT kerosene heater manufactured between 2015 and 2024
• You experienced injuries such as burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, or respiratory issues
• Your property was damaged due to a malfunction or fire caused by the heater
• You required medical treatment for injuries related to the heater
• You can document the connection between your injuries and the DeWALT kerosene heater

Evidence Required for a DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuit

Building a strong case requires specific documentation to establish the connection between your injuries and the defective product:

• Proof of purchase (receipt, credit card statement, registration)
• Medical records documenting treatment for related injuries
• Photographs of the defective heater and any resulting damage
• Incident reports filed with the manufacturer or CPSC
• Fire department or insurance reports if applicable
• Witness statements regarding the incident
• Maintenance records showing proper care of the device

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of defective DeWALT kerosene heaters may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses related to injuries
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage repair or replacement costs
• Pain and suffering, including physical and emotional distress
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
• Wrongful death compensation for families who lost loved ones

DeWALT Kerosene Heater Recall Information

DeWALT has issued multiple recalls for their kerosene heaters due to safety concerns:

• February 8, 2025 Recall: Affects 175,000 units manufactured between 2018-2022, models DXH70CFAK, DXH90CFAK, and DXH135CFAK due to fuel leakage issues.
• November 5, 2024 Recall: Covers 340,000 units of models DXH50K, DXH70K, and DXH135K manufactured between 2015-2018 due to carbon monoxide emission hazards.
• February 3, 2023 Recall: Included 85,000 units of the DXH215 Professional Forced Air Kerosene Heater due to fire hazards from improper ignition system design.

The CPSC recommends that all owners of recalled models immediately stop using the affected heaters and contact DeWALT for either a refund or replacement unit. Continuing to use recalled units poses serious risks of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other injuries.

Statute of Limitations for DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuits

Legal time limits for filing a DeWALT kerosene heater lawsuit vary by state:

• Most states allow 2-3 years from the date of injury or when the connection between the injury and the defective product was discovered
• Some states have shorter periods of only 1 year (Louisiana, Tennessee)
• Other states allow up to 6 years (Maine, North Dakota)
• The statute of limitations for property damage claims may differ from personal injury claims in some states
• Wrongful death claims typically have their own specific timeframes

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly, as waiting too long may permanently bar your right to compensation.

Related Articles:

• Pool Heater Lawsuit
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FAQs

1. What Can File a Lawsuit Against DeWALT for Issues Related to Their Kerosene Heaters?

Individuals who have experienced harm or property damage due to defects in DeWALT kerosene heaters can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. This includes cases of burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, respiratory issues, property damage from fires, and wrongful death claims for families who lost loved ones due to heater malfunctions.

2. What Compensation Can Plaintiffs Seek in a DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuit?

Plaintiffs can seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Recent settlements have ranged from $10,000 for minor injuries to over $3 million for severe burns and significant property loss. The exact amount depends on injury severity, medical costs, and long-term impacts.

3. How Can a Defect in a DeWALT Kerosene Heater Be Identified?

Defects in DeWALT kerosene heaters can be identified through visual inspection, unusual smells, excessive smoke, improper combustion patterns, fuel leakage, overheating, or automatic shutoff failures. If you suspect a defect, stop using the device immediately, document any abnormalities, and check if your model is included in any recall notices.

4. How Long Do I Have to File a DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuit?

The deadline to file varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of the connection between the injury and the defective product. Some states apply the “discovery rule,” which starts the clock when you reasonably should have known about the connection between your injury and the heater defect.

5. What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My DeWALT Kerosene Heater Caused My Injuries?

You’ll need proof of purchase, medical records documenting your injuries, photographs of the heater and any damage, incident reports filed with DeWALT or the CPSC, and expert testimony linking your injuries to the defective product. Maintenance records showing proper use and care of the device can also strengthen your case.

6. Can I Join the DeWALT Kerosene Heater Class Action Lawsuit?

Yes, if you meet the qualification criteria, you may be eligible to join the current class action settlement. The $42 million settlement fund covers individuals who purchased specific DeWALT kerosene heater models between 2015-2024 and experienced injuries or property damage. Contact our firm immediately to determine your eligibility.

7. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for a DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuit?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Legal fees are only collected if we win your case, typically as a percentage of your settlement or verdict. This arrangement ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of financial circumstances.

8. What Should I Do If My DeWALT Kerosene Heater Is Part of a Recall?

If your heater is recalled, immediately stop using it, unplug it, and store it in a safe location. Document the model and serial number, take photographs, and contact DeWALT for their recall procedures. Keep all documentation regarding the recall process and any communication with the company, as this may strengthen your legal claim.

Get A Free DeWALT Kerosene Heater Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by defective DeWALT kerosene heaters. With statutes of limitations as short as one year in some states, delaying your claim could cost you your right to compensation.

Our specialized team of product liability attorneys has successfully represented hundreds of individuals injured by defective heating devices. We understand the complex technical and legal issues involved in these cases and have the resources to take on major manufacturers.

When you choose Schmidt & Clark, LLP, you receive:

• Free, confidential case evaluation
• Personalized legal strategy tailored to your specific situation
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Decades of combined experience in product liability litigation

Don’t wait until it’s too late to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, and property damage.