Millions of Americans go to sleep every night unaware that the mattress designed to give them a comfortable night's rest is also a serious fire hazard that causes hundreds of deaths each year. Mattresses are made of highly flammable substances such as cyanide and petrochemicals. When open flames from candles, matches or lighters ignite a mattress, the injuries are often horrific. Children, usually asleep, have suffered severe, life-changing 3rd-degree burns on a large portion of their bodies. The unlucky ones have only years of treatment and surgeries to look forward to.

In June 2004, CBS News aired an eye-opening segment on the dangers of mattress fires, which reportedly kill about 500 people a year. According to the report, interest groups are currently seeking nationwide legislation requiring fire safe mattresses, but due to the potential costs, the industry is putting up a fight to prevent new regulations. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is studying mattress flammability and plans to release its findings in the fall of 2004.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a mattress fire, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.

Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service.

See Also

  1. Dangerous Household Products: Overview
  2. Burns: Overview
  3. Infections
  4. Scars: Overview
  5. Shock
  6. Skin Disorders: Overview
  7. Wounds: Overview
  Name Size