Deep frying the Thanksgiving turkey has become quite popular in recent years. Unfortunately, accidents involving turkey fryers are notorious for causing serious injuries and property damage, as well as some fatalities.
If you were injured in a turkey frying accident at someone else’s house, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries against the property owner’s insurance company. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Roden Law are prepared to review your claim. The consultation is free of charge.
When Could the Property Owner be Held Liable?
Insurance companies report that grease and cooking-related claims more than double on Thanksgiving Day compared to the other days in November. The National Fire Protection Association reports that deep fryer fires cause an average of five deaths and 60 injuries each year, in addition to $15 million in property damage.
Property owners may be held liable for injuries that occur on their property if they fail to take reasonable steps to keep the property safe, according to O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1.
Property owners must inspect the area for possible dangers and correct these hazards or provide a clear warning to guests about them. If the owner neglects this duty, he or she may be liable for any harm suffered by the invitee.
To establish a claim against a property owner, you must be able to prove these three elements existed at the time of your injury:
- The at-fault party is the owner or legally occupies the property
- You were legally on the property at the time of the accident
- The accident happened because the property owner failed to exercise reasonable care
If there was a dangerous condition on the premises, and a reasonable person in the same situation would have taken steps in order to prevent a potential injury, you may have the basis for a claim against the owner.
Proving these elements can be complicated, but our knowledgeable attorneys at Roden Law are well-versed in Georgia’s premises liability laws.
Insurance Coverage for Turkey Fryer Accidents
A standard homeowners insurance policy may cover the cost of damages to the home and property. It may also cover any personal liability stemming from the accident. A property owner may also have a personal umbrella policy, which is additional coverage that is designed to cover the expense of other, non-excluded liability events that exceed the value of the homeowner’s insurance policy.
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
The reason turkey fryers are so dangerous is they involve using an open flame covered by a huge pot of oil that is often heated to temperatures exceeding 350 degrees. Frying a turkey should only be attempted by an attentive and experienced individual who is willing to take extra safety precautions to protect others on and around the property.
These safety tips could help prevent a serious burn injury while frying a turkey:
- Thaw the turkey completely before frying, allowing 24 hours for every four to five pounds. Remember – water and oil do not mix, so pat the turkey dry to remove any excess moisture.
- Never fry the turkey in the house or any enclosed area, such as a garage, as it can potentially cause a fire.
- The fryer should be placed in an open area away from walls, fences and other flammable structures.
- Place the fryer on a flat and stable surface.
- Use a newer model fryer that has a sealed lid to prevent oil spills.
- Do not overfill the fryer with oil.
- Wear gloves throughout the cooking process to protect against oil splatter or burns.
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
- Never leave the fryer unattended, even for a minute.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand (make sure it is designated for use on oil fires).
Contact a Lawyer for Help
If you were injured because of negligence on someone else’s property during the holidays, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The experienced Savannah personal injury lawyers at Roden Law offer a free review of your potential claim. There is no obligation to work with us, and we do not collect any attorney fees or other upfront charges unless we achieve a successful recovery on your behalf.
Contact us today to see how we may be able to help. Ph: 1-844-RESULTS