PENSACOLA — A Pensacola couple is suing Lasko Products for a fan that was allegedly defective and caused a house fire and injuries.
Robert Hand and Joann Hand owned a Lasko Wind Curve tower fan manufactured by Lasko Products and on Nov. 2, 2021, the fan, which was situated in the pool house of their property, caught fire while running, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida at Pensacola.
Robert Hand claims he was sleeping in the pool house with his dog when he awoke to find four-foot flames.
Robert claims claims in an attempt to extinguish the fire, he sustained third-degree burns. His wife, Joann Hand, called 911 for assistance.
The fire resulted from an electrical failure and/or a defect in the Lasko Wind Curve electric fan, which had not been altered and was in its original condition at the time of purchase, according to the suit.
The Hands claims following the incident, Robert Hand spent weeks in the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
The Hands claim the defendant was negligent and caused Robert Hand's injuries and the damages to their residence.
The Hands are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are represented by Jeffrey T. Embry, Matt Montgomery and Margaret C. Pennell of Hossley Embry in Tyler, Texas.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida at Pensacola case number: 3:23-cv-24664