Candle holder safety

[Wayne Spence]

I have read over the past months of woodturners discontinuing the sale of candle holders and oil lamps for fear of a lawsuit due to a fire started by the candles. Does anyone know of a lawsuit involving candle holders? I would think that the candle maker would be even more responsible but today anything goes in the way of lawsuits.

Any comments?

 

[Mark Mandell]

Seems like everybody assumes that everybody else has insurance for whatever harm they may have suffered. I imagine if you made 3-pound bricks with a hole in the middle for the candle, and somehow the candle started a fire, some deadbrain would try to sue you because of his own stupidity.

I suppose that if you're making stuff to sell, be it candle holders or bricks (or both ) it's not a bad idea to get some product liability insurance. That way, even if the twit's case is dismissed, your attorney's fees and costs (that could run you in the thousands) are covered by the insurance policy.

 

[Ed Davidson]

Wayne,

First and foremost, if anyone is selling things to the public – retail, consignment or wholesale – and they are doing so without the protection of having established a formal State registered business, then their retirement and personal assets are at risk. While each State’s requirements are a little different, setting up an LLC or other business form is pretty easy – almost all States offer online registration, tutorials and helpful how-to’s.

 

[MichaelMouse]

Don't sell the candle. Turn the holder for the votive cup and leave it empty. Let them draw their own conclusions.

 

[Mark Mandell]

Wayne,

You might consider posing your question to Barbara Dill whose candle sticks & goblets were featured in this year's February issue of the Journal.

m

 

[Joe Greiner]

Incorporation could provide an impediment, but not a complete barrier, against attacks. Occasionally I hear about seminars for lawyers with titles like "Piercing the corporate veil."

A couple design elements could reduce the likelihood of fire, and illustrate your good-faith efforts at such:

1. Make the candle sticks bottom-heavy, by shape or embedded ballast, to increase stability.

2. Add a metal barrier, such as Candle Cups (CSUSA #041-0444). I have the understanding that some jurisdictions (Australia, in particular) require such barriers under consumer protection statutes.

 

[Wayne Spence]

Response to MM

Your suggestion is a good one. I have thought of offering a free candle to anyone who purchases a candle holder. Not sure how it would hold up in court.
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