Amazon Space Heater Lawsuit Claims Defective Device Caused First Degree Burns

Woman claims the space heater packaging lacked any certification showing it had been tested to meet national electrical safety standards.

A Dallas woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that Amazon should be held accountable for selling a defective and dangerous space heater, which caused devastating first degree burns while it was positioned roughly five feet from her body, since it failed to shut off overnight as advertised.

The complaint (PDF) was originally brought by Cynthia Jackson in the District Court of Texas on October 7, naming Amazon Web Services Inc., Andily Ltd, doing business as Selanto USA, and Rowan Electric Appliance LLC as defendants.

Space heaters are portable appliances designed to warm small, enclosed areas, such as a single room. Although generally considered safe, design defects can have serious consequences, with a number of space heater recalls issued in recent years after reports of devices overheating or causing fires that resulted in consumer injuries.

Jackson’s allegations against Amazon reflect broader concerns involving other electrically heated or high-temperature products sold on the platform in recent years, including malfunctioning electric blankets, defective pressure cookers, and tabletop fire pits linked to serious burn injuries.

Jackson’s lawsuit states that she purchased a “Home-Choice” electric space heater through Amazon in February 2021. The product was sold by Selanto USA, registered to Andily Ltd., and manufactured by NingBo Dongi Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., a company that is not subject to U.S. court jurisdiction.

The complaint indicates that Jackson did not realize at the time of delivery that the heater’s packaging lacked an ETL-compliance mark, which signifies that a product has been tested and meets national safety standards. According to the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD), the absence of such markings is a common issue with potentially hazardous products sold online.

Jackson reports that she was using the space heater to warm her room on the night of January 1, 2024, keeping it about five feet away while she was ill with pneumonia. At some point during the night, the automatic shutoff feature allegedly failed, allowing the device to operate continuously and causing her to suffer first degree burns.

“Defendants had duty to warn foreseeable users, including Plaintiff, of the dangers associated with the subject ceramic heater, including the proper way to handle the subject ceramic heater and the risk of serious skin burn injuries; Defendants undertook said duty, but failed to adequately warn foreseeable users, including Plaintiff, of the dangers associated with the subject ceramic heater or provide adequate instructions for use of the subject ceramic heater.”

— Cynthia Jackson v. Amazon Web Services Inc. et al

Jackson’s lawsuit raises allegations of marketing defect and negligence, seeking damages for mental anguish and emotional distress, as well as physical pain, suffering, disfigurement and impairment.

Although the complaint was first filed in a Texas state district court, Amazon removed the action to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on November 18 on the basis of diversity jurisdiction.

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