Got Burned at Someone’s BBQ? Here’s What You Need to Know
A backyard BBQ should be about good food and great company. But when things go wrong with a grill, fire pit, or hot equipment, serious burns can happen in seconds. If you were injured at someone else’s BBQ, you might have suffered painful wounds. When this happens, who’s responsible for your injuries? Can you get help with your medical costs? Should you call a lawyer?
Property owners have a duty to keep their guests safe, and when they fail to fulfill this duty, they can be held responsible for any harm that results. Whether it was a faulty grill, unsafe setup, or lack of proper safety measures, you deserve answers.
At Hicks Law Firm, PC, we can help. Our Newport Beach personal injury attorneys will walk you through the immediate steps you should take after a burn injury and explain who might be liable for your accident. Call us today at 866-HICKS-LAW or (949) 541-9944 for a free consultation, and let’s discuss what happened. Don’t let someone else’s mistake cost you thousands in medical bills and lost wages.
“But I Don’t Want to Sue My Friend or Family Member”
This is the biggest concern people have after getting hurt at someone else’s BBQ. You don’t want to damage relationships or seem greedy. But here’s what you need to understand: you’re not really suing your friend or family member personally. You’re filing a claim against their homeowner’s insurance, which exists specifically to cover these situations.
Your friend or relative pays for insurance precisely because accidents can happen. They won’t have to pay out of pocket for your medical bills, because that’s what their insurance coverage is for. In fact, many people feel relieved when their injured guests pursue proper compensation because it ensures their loved one gets the care they need.
What to Do Right After Your BBQ Burn Injury
When you suffer a burn at a BBQ, your first priority is getting proper medical care. Even if your burns seem minor, it’s best to see a doctor or visit urgent care. Burns can be worse than they appear, and having medical records from the start helps document your injuries.
While you’re dealing with your injury, try to gather information about what happened. Take photos of the accident scene, the equipment involved, and your injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses who witnessed the incident. If possible, ask the property owner to preserve any faulty equipment until you can have it examined.
Keep all your medical records, bills, and receipts related to your injury. Document any time you miss from work. This information will be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your BBQ Burn
Several parties might be liable for your injury, depending on what caused your accident:
- The Property Owner or Host: The person who invited you to their BBQ has a legal duty to keep their property reasonably safe. If they were aware of a dangerous condition (such as a broken grill or an unsafe fire pit) and failed to repair it or warn guests, they could be held responsible for your injuries.
- Equipment Manufacturers: If a defective BBQ grill, propane tank, or other equipment caused your burn, the manufacturer might be liable. Product liability laws protect consumers from dangerous or faulty products.
- Retailers or Rental Companies: If the host rented a grill or bought equipment that was defective, the rental company or store might share responsibility.
- Other Guests: Sometimes, another guest’s careless behavior can cause accidents. If someone else’s actions led to your injury, they could be held accountable.
Common Causes of BBQ Burn Injuries
Understanding how these accidents happen can help you build a stronger case:
- Propane Tank Explosions: Faulty connections, damaged tanks, or improper storage can cause dangerous explosions and flash fires.
- Grease Fires: When grills aren’t properly cleaned or maintained, grease buildup can cause sudden flare-ups that catch guests off guard.
- Unsafe Grill Placement: Grills placed too close to structures, overhanging branches, or high-traffic areas create unnecessary risks.
- Faulty Equipment: Broken ignition systems, gas leaks, or defective safety features can turn a routine BBQ into a dangerous situation.
- Inadequate Safety Measures: Missing fire extinguishers, no first aid supplies, or a lack of proper supervision around open flames can make accidents worse.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
You should consider contacting a Newport Beach personal injury attorney if:
- Your burns are second-degree or worse
- You required hospitalization or surgery
- You’ll have permanent scarring or disfigurement
- You missed significant time from work
- Your medical bills exceed $10,000
- The property owner or their insurance company denies responsibility
- You’re being pressured to accept a quick settlement
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation.
Contact Our Newport Beach Personal Injury Attorney
Serious burn injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat. Without proper compensation, these expenses can follow you for years. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake or negligence.
If you were burned at a BBQ that wasn’t your fault, you have rights. The people responsible should pay for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation without a fight.
Contact our experienced Orange County personal injury team today for a free consultation. Your recovery starts with one phone call. Call Hicks Law Firm today at 949-541-9944.
Aaron Hicks is a civil trial attorney and founder of Hicks Law Firm, based in Orange County with offices in San Diego and Tennessee. His practice includes representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and wrongful death. Mr. Hicks is and AV Rated attorney, Super Lawyer and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association where he serves as 1st Vice President.
