Therapeutic Heating Pad Lawsuit Alleges Amazon Device Overheated, Burned User

Lawsuit also claims that Neosporin applied to treat the burns triggered an allergic reaction that worsened the woman’s injuries.

A California woman has filed a product liability lawsuit alleging that a therapeutic heating pad sold on Amazon overheated during normal use, causing severe burns to her abdomen and breast.

The complaint (PDF) was originally brought by Erica Everett in Los Angeles County Superior Court on December 9, 2025, naming Amazon.com Services LLC, ATDORIAT LLC and Kenvue Brands LLC as defendants. The case was later removed to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on May 8.

Everett claims the heating pad was defectively designed and manufactured because it lacked automatic shut-off protection, fail-safe mechanisms to prevent overheating and adequate temperature controls. These factors allegedly allowed it to generate dangerous levels of heat. 

Heating Pad Risks

Heating pads are widely used to help relieve muscle soreness, joint discomfort and stiffness by applying steady warmth to increase blood flow and help loosen tight tissue. When they function properly, these devices can offer meaningful relief for everyday pain and chronic conditions.

However, if a heating pad overheats, lacks adequate temperature controls or contains an electrical defect, it can generate unsafe levels of heat. In those situations, consumers may suffer severe burns, nerve injuries and damage to underlying tissue.

Following a growing number of reports involving overheating devices, consumers have filed heating pad lawsuits against Amazon, Walmart and other retailers and manufacturers, alleging that defective products caused devastating burn injuries requiring extensive medical care.

Heating Pad Injury Allegations

According to the lawsuit, Everett purchased an ATDORIAT heating pad from Amazon in November 2023. The device was marketed as a therapeutic heating belt intended to provide pain relief and relaxation.

On December 11, 2023, Everett says she used the heating pad after receiving medical treatment earlier in the day and being advised to rest. She alleges that she followed the product instructions and selected moderate settings, including a heat level of 55 on a scale of 40 to 65, massage level 5 out of 10, and a 60-minute timer.

Everett says she fell asleep while wearing the device and awoke to discover severe thermal burns on her abdomen and breast. The lawsuit alleges the heating pad was defectively designed and manufactured, lacking automatic shut-off protection, fail-safe mechanisms to prevent overheating, and adequate temperature regulation systems.

The complaint claims the product was capable of causing serious burns even when used at moderate settings and in a manner intended by the manufacturer. Everett alleges Amazon and ATDORIAT failed to adequately test the heating pad, ignored industry-standard safety features, and did not provide sufficient warnings about the risk of burn injuries.

“The ATDORIAT heating pad was defectively designed and unreasonably dangerous for its intended use.”

— Erica Everett v. Amazon.com Services LLC et al

Neosporin Contact Dermatitis and Permanent Scarring

In addition to the claims involving the heating pad, Everett’s lawsuit also brings separate allegations against Kenvue Brands LLC, the company identified in the complaint as the manufacturer and distributor of Neosporin products.

According to the complaint, Everett applied Neosporin to the abdominal burns caused by the heating pad multiple times a day for several months. While burns on her breast that were not treated with Neosporin allegedly healed within about a week, the lawsuit claims the abdominal burns treated with Neosporin progressively worsened, leading to cellulitis, severe contact dermatitis, permanent scarring and hyperpigmentation.

The lawsuit alleges Kenvue knew or should have known that Neosporin products containing neomycin could cause allergic contact dermatitis, particularly when used on burn injuries or compromised skin. Everett claims the company failed to provide adequate warnings about those risks, failed to instruct consumers to stop using the product if irritation developed, and continued to market Neosporin as safe and effective for wound and burn care despite safer alternatives being available.

The Neosporin claims are separate from the heating pad allegations, but Everett maintains both products contributed to the severity of her injuries. The complaint alleges the heating pad caused the initial thermal burns, while Neosporin worsened those injuries and contributed to permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Everett raises allegations of strict liability, design defect, manufacturing defect, failure to warn, negligence, breach of implied warranty, fraudulent concealment, intentional misrepresentation, negligent infliction of emotional distress and violations of various state and federal consumer statutes. She is seeking damages for physical injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Heating Pad Lawsuit Settlement

The lawsuit adds to a growing number of claims filed against Amazon and other heating pad distributors and manufacturers, alleging that certain devices can overheat during ordinary use and are sold without adequate warnings about the risk of serious burn injuries.

In one similar case that was resolved late last year, Amazon agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by Khadija Karim, who alleged she suffered second-degree burns when a heating pad became excessively hot, adhered to her skin and could not be removed while in use.

The terms of that agreement were not made public. Court filings indicate each side agreed to bear its own attorneys’ fees and litigation costs and to complete the paperwork necessary to dismiss the case.

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