What Are Heated Insoles and Heated Socks?
Heated Insoles and socks, sometimes called electric insoles or rechargeable insoles, are used for work and outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, hunting and fishing to keep feet warm during cold temperatures. However, recent reports alleging burn injuries caused by some heated insoles have led to serious concerns about the safety of heated insoles and heated socks. The lawyers at Johnson//Becker, PLLC, are now accepting cases involving injuries from heated insoles.
What’s the problem?
Oftentimes, heated insoles and heated socks can reach a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. To reach these temperatures, many heated insoles and heated socks use lithium-ion batteries to power them due to their compact size. However, malfunctions in lithium-ion batteries can and do occur under certain conditions. When these lithium batteries fail, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode, causing severe injuries to users. At temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, exposure to a defective heated insole or heated sock can lead to severe first, second, and third-degree burn injuries.
In addition to explosions or fires caused by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, many heated insoles and heated socks lack important safety features. Examples include automatic shut-offs to prevent overheating and pressure build-up, temperature regulation controls, and proper battery ventilation so that the lithium-ion batteries may safely release any excess or built-up energy.
Examples of Heated Insole Burn Injury Cases
There have been several instances of individuals claiming to be injured by malfunctioning heated insoles or defective heated socks. Victims have suffered from first-, second-, and third-degree burns, and some have required medical treatment. Examples include:
- December 19, 2024: According to a news report, an individual from Minnesota suffered “second [and] third-degree burns” after he claimed his iHeat heated insoles “exploded inside his shoe.”
- November 30, 2024: Another Minnesotan was severely burned by his heated insoles on November 30, 2024 while deer hunting. A spokesperson from Hennepin County Healthcare Burn Center in Minneapolis stated that the facility “had three patients since the beginning of winter already come in with varying degrees of burns on the lower extremities from first to third-degree, and it is from these insoles malfunctioning or even exploding.”
- December 22, 2023: According to another new report , a Mississauga, Ontario, man was injured at work after he purchased a pair of rechargeable battery-heated insoles for work. The report goes on to state that after he was eventually able to remove his boot, his “skin was peeled back and charred.”
What Should I Do If I’m Injured By A Heated Insole or Heated Sock?
If you’ve been injured by a heated insole or heated sock, please seek immediate medical attention. The severity of burn injuries is not always immediately apparent, and, left untreated, can lead to painful blistering and infection. Your health, well-being, and safety are our top priority.
After your safety and health are addressed, make sure to keep the heated insoles and any packaging or accessories that come with them. This may be important evidence in your legal case.
Questions About a Heated Insoles Lawsuit?
The attorneys at Johnson//Becker are here to help. We have years of experience representing clients in lithium-ion battery failure cases and understand the complexities involved in these claims.
We offer free case evaluations and can help determine whether you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Contact us today by completing the form below or calling (800) 279-6386.
At Johnson//Becker, PLLC, we are dedicated to holding manufacturers accountable for putting dangerous products into the hands of consumers.
Free Case Evaluation
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (800) 279-6386.