Electric blankets, heated throws, and heated pads are sold as comfort products that provide warmth during cold weather, reduce heating costs, and help consumers stay cozy in bed, on a couch, or in a bedroom.
These products use electricity, wires, a cord, a plug, a controller, and heating elements to generate heat across a blanket, throw, mattress pad, or heating pad.
A heated blanket burn injury lawsuit may involve allegations that an electric blanket, heating pad, or heated throw overheated, sparked, caught fire, or caused burns during normal use.
These risks may be especially serious when a person is sleeping, falling asleep, resting for an extended period, or unable to sense that the blanket has become too hot.
Public safety records show that electric blankets and similar warming products can present fire hazards and burn risks.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International states that heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year, and that almost all of those fires involve electric blankets more than 10 years old.
How Heated Blankets Can Cause Burn Injuries
Heated blankets can cause burn injuries when the product generates unsafe heat against the body or when electrical components fail.
A blanket may become dangerous if wires break, the controller malfunctions, loose connections develop, or the product fails to shut off as expected.
Burns may occur when a user is lying on or under the blanket for an extended period.
A person may not notice the heat right away, especially if they are sleeping, sensitive to heat, older, disabled, taking medication, or have health concerns that affect pain sensation or mobility.
Common ways a heated blanket may cause burn injuries include:
- Overheating while the user is in bed or falling asleep
- Hot spots in the middle or edges of the blanket
- Broken wires inside the blanket
- A faulty control or temperature sensor
- A cord, plug, or connector that begins to spark
- Folding, bunching, or rolling the blanket while it is on
- Placing pillows, sheets, pets, or other items over the blanket
- Sitting or lying on top of a blanket not designed for that use
- Using a blanket with frayed electrical cords or signs of wear
- Plugging the product into a power strip or extension cord
These failures may cause redness, blisters, partial-thickness burns, severe burns, shock injuries, smoke exposure, or fire-related harm.
Overheating, Wiring Defects, and Temperature Control Failures
Overheating is one of the main concerns in defective heated blanket claims.
A heated blanket should provide controlled warmth, not unsafe heat capable of burning skin, melting fabric, or igniting bedding.
Wiring defects may occur when internal wires break, shift, pinch, or create hot spots.
Temperature control failures may involve a faulty controller, a failed sensor, inadequate shut-off protection, or a product that continues heating longer than intended.
These problems may be worse in older models, products in poor condition, or items used contrary to manufacturer instructions.
CPSC recall records support these concerns.
In 2025, CPSC recalled about 8,560 MaxKare electric blankets because the blankets could overheat and ignite, posing burn and fire hazards.
The recall reported 34 overheating incidents, including three burn injury reports and two reports that the blankets caught on fire.
Safety-focused product issues may include:
- Faulty wiring or broken wires
- Loose connections at the controller or plug
- A damaged cord
- Frayed fabric or exposed electrical cords
- Overheating near the bed, sheets, or mattress
- A controller that fails to shut off
- Lack of adequate safety features
- Missing warnings about folding, rolling, or extended use
- Poor testing by the manufacturer before purchase
Consumers should inspect electric blankets regularly and replace products that show dark, charred, frayed, cracked, or damaged areas.
ESFI also warns consumers not to fold electric blankets while in use because folded or tucked-in blankets can overheat and cause a fire.
Fire Hazards and Thermal Burn Risks From Electric Blankets
Electric blankets may create both direct thermal burn risks and broader fire hazards.
A user may suffer burns if the blanket becomes hot against the body.
A more serious accident may occur if the blanket catches fire and ignites sheets, pillows, a mattress, clothing, furniture, or nearby materials.
These fire risks may be greater in winter when people use multiple heating products in a bedroom, including electric blankets, heating pads, space heaters, and other heater products.
The National Fire Protection Association warns that winter electrical and heating safety requires attention to properly rated extension cords and relocatable power taps, commonly called power strips.
ESFI specifically warns consumers not to plug electric blankets into an extension cord or power strip because they can overheat and cause a fire.
It also states that heating appliances should not be left unattended or used while sleeping, and that electric blankets and heating pads are not meant to be used interchangeably or at the same time.
Fire and thermal burn risks may involve:
- A blanket that overheats while the user sleeps
- A power strip or extension cord that is not rated for the load
- A cord or plug that sparks
- Loose connections at the controller
- A hot controller placed under pillows or sheets
- A heating pad used with an electric blanket
- A blanket used with pets that chew, scratch, or damage wires
- A blanket used despite signs of wear, fraying, or scorch marks
These risks may make all the difference in determining whether a product was used safely, whether warnings were adequate, and whether a defect contributed to the injury.
Heated Blankets Sold on Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Other Retailers
Heated blankets and electric throws are sold through Amazon, Walmart, Target, department stores, manufacturer websites, and other online or brick-and-mortar retailers.
Some products are manufactured and sold by established U.S. companies, while others are produced overseas, imported into the United States, and marketed under private-label or third-party seller names.
The product’s sales path may affect which companies can be named in a heated blanket burn injury lawsuit.
Depending on the facts and applicable state law, potentially responsible parties may include the manufacturer, importer, distributor, private-label company, marketplace seller, retailer, or another business involved in placing the product into the consumer’s home.
Recent recalls show how these arrangements can differ.
MaxKare electric blankets manufactured by Shenzhen Yumo Commerce and Trade Corporation were sold exclusively through Walmart.com, while recalled Bedsure blankets and heating pads were sold through Amazon and Bedsure’s website.
Recalled Berkshire heated throws and blankets were distributed through several retailers, including Amazon, Target, Macy’s, QVC, L.L.Bean, AAFES, and Berkshire’s website.
An attorney may review who manufactured and imported the product, controlled the listing, provided warnings, communicated with purchasers, and handled any recall or refund.
