Heated Insoles Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

How Heated Insoles and Socks Work

Heated insoles and socks contain battery-powered heating elements designed to generate warmth. These devices typically offer:

• Adjustable temperature settings
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
• Heating wires or pads embedded within the fabric or sole

While these features are intended to provide comfort, malfunctions and design flaws can lead to temperatures exceeding safe levels, causing burn injuries.

Types of Burn Injuries Caused by Heated Insoles

Burn injuries from heated insoles and socks vary in severity, depending on the device’s malfunction and length of exposure. Common injuries include:

• First-Degree Burns: Superficial burns causing redness and pain.
• Second-Degree Burns: Blistering, swelling, and intense pain; damage extends into deeper skin layers.
• Third-Degree Burns: Severe burns that destroy multiple skin layers, potentially requiring surgery and leading to permanent damage.

Dr. Emily Collins, a podiatrist specializing in burn injuries, explains:
“Even minor overheating can result in second-degree burns, especially for those with reduced sensation in their feet due to diabetes or neuropathy.”

Examples of Burn Injuries from Heated Insoles

Several cases have emerged in recent years where individuals suffered severe burns from defective heated insoles or socks:

• Tyler Morris (Minnesota, 2024) – Tyler Morris, a resident of Trimont, Minnesota, experienced a traumatic incident when heated insoles in his boots suddenly exploded, resulting in second and third-degree burns. The insoles, which he had originally bought on Amazon for hunting and fishing, turned out to be a dangerous purchase. On December 12, while getting ready to set up a fishing shelter on the lake, Tyler suddenly felt an intense pain in his right foot.“It was like a sharp knife stabbing my heel,” he remembered. “Then, out of nowhere, my foot felt like it was on fire, and I panicked when I saw thick white smoke pouring out of my boot.”The explosion left Tyler with second and third-degree burns on his foot. The burns were severe enough to cause numbness in some areas. Medical professionals at Hennepin County Medical Center informed him that he might require skin grafts to properly heal the damaged tissue.To his shock, Tyler discovered that he wasn’t the only person dealing with such an incident. “The doctor told me I was the third patient that week with burn injuries caused by heated insoles,” he shared.
• Class-Action Lawsuit (2023) – A group of plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against a popular heated insole brand after multiple users reported similar burn injuries. The lawsuit alleges the manufacturer failed to include adequate safety features, such as automatic shutoff mechanisms, and did not warn users of the potential risks.
• Sarah Green (Michigan, 2022) – Sarah, who suffers from Raynaud’s syndrome, wore heated socks to manage her condition. The socks malfunctioned, causing third-degree burns and nerve damage. She now faces ongoing physical therapy and permanent scarring.
• Michael Thompson (Colorado, 2021) – Michael, an avid hiker, purchased a pair of heated insoles for winter trekking. During a hike, the insoles overheated without warning, causing second-degree burns on the soles of his feet. He required two weeks of medical treatment and was unable to walk properly for over a month.

Related Articles: 

• iHeat Insoles Recall Lawsuit
• HTRC Battery Charger Recall Lawsuit
• Charmast Power Bank Recall Lawsuit

Why Heated Insoles Malfunction

Several factors can contribute to heated insoles and socks causing burn injuries:

• Battery Malfunctions – Overheating batteries can cause the heating elements to reach dangerous temperatures. Poor quality or improperly tested lithium-ion batteries may short-circuit, leading to excessive heat.
• Faulty Temperature Controls – Inadequate or broken temperature regulators may fail to prevent overheating. Devices that lack automatic shut-off features can continue heating beyond safe limits.
• Defective Heating Elements – Heating wires or pads may malfunction, leading to hot spots that burn the skin. Inconsistent heat distribution can cause certain areas to overheat.

Safety Expert Mark Jensen notes:
“Heated insoles should include multiple fail-safes to prevent overheating. Unfortunately, many cheaper products cut corners, putting consumers at risk.”

Legal Basis for Heated Insoles Lawsuits

If you’ve suffered a burn injury from heated insoles or socks, you may be entitled to compensation through a product liability lawsuit. Legal claims can be based on:

• Defective Design – The product’s design inherently poses a risk of overheating and injury. Example: Lack of temperature controls or automatic shut-off features.
• Manufacturing Defects – Errors during production lead to malfunctioning devices. Example: Poor-quality batteries prone to short-circuiting.
• Failure to Warn – The manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings or instructions regarding the risks. Example: Absence of cautionary labels or user guidelines for safe operation.
• Negligence – The manufacturer or retailer did not take reasonable steps to ensure the product’s safety.

Steps to Take if You Suffer a Burn Injury

If you experience a burn injury from heated insoles or socks, follow these steps:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt treatment can prevent complications and document your injury.
• Preserve the Product: Keep the defective device and packaging as evidence.
• Document the Injury: Take photos of your burns, medical records, and any correspondence with the manufacturer.
• Report the Incident: Notify the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the product manufacturer.
• Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: A lawyer can assess your case and help you pursue a lawsuit for compensation.

Statistics on Product-Related Burn Injuries

• According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were over 60,000 reported burn injuries caused by consumer products in the United States in 2022.
• A study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that battery malfunctions contributed to 25% of heating device-related injuries.

Preventing Burn Injuries from Heated Insoles

To minimize the risk of injury, follow these safety tips:

• Buy Reputable Brands: Purchase from trusted manufacturers with good safety records.
• Read Instructions Carefully: Follow the recommended usage and safety guidelines.
• Inspect Before Use: Check for signs of damage or malfunction before using the device.
• Use the Lowest Heat Setting: Start with the lowest temperature and gradually increase as needed.
• Don’t Use While Sleeping: Avoid prolonged use, especially when you may not notice overheating.

Conclusion

Heated insoles and socks offer warmth and comfort, but defective products can pose serious risks. The growing number of heated insoles lawsuits highlights the need for better safety standards and accountability from manufacturers.

If you’ve suffered a burn injury from a faulty device, you have legal options to seek compensation. By understanding the risks, taking precautions, and holding manufacturers responsible, consumers can help ensure safer products for everyone.

Get a Free Heated Insoles Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Heated Insoles Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you or a loved one suffered a burn or other serious injury from heated insole products, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and our product liability lawyers can help.

References:
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2023/Making-Families-Safer-from-Button-Cell-or-Coin-Battery-Dangers-Reeses-Law-Leads-to-New-Federal-Mandatory-Safety-Standard
2. https://www.hennepinhealthcare.org/blog/burns-are-on-the-rise-spread-the-word-and-help-prevent-burn-injuries-this-year/
3. https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/lithium-ion-batteries