July 13, 2026 — A recent incident report filed on June 24, 2026, details a severe injury sustained by an adult using a Berkshire Life EZ touch heated throw. The consumer reported suffering a third-degree burn on the back of their thigh after the electric blanket reportedly became excessively hot and failed to shut off automatically.
Product Details
Incident Overview
According to the incident report, an adult consumer was using their Berkshire Life EZ touch heated throw when they noticed it became extremely hot. The consumer believes the heated throw did not activate its intended automatic shut-off feature, which is typically designed to prevent overheating, especially after an extended period such as two hours. As a direct result of the excessive heat, the consumer sustained a third-degree burn on the back of their thigh. Third-degree burns are severe injuries that affect all layers of the skin, causing permanent tissue damage and often requiring extensive medical treatment.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises significant safety concerns regarding the potential for electric heated throws to overheat and cause serious injury.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is severe thermal burns. Third-degree burns, as reported in this incident, are extremely painful, can destroy nerve endings, and require immediate medical attention, potentially including skin grafts and prolonged recovery. There is also a risk of secondary infection if the burn is not properly treated.
- Long-Term Risks: Victims of third-degree burns often face long-term consequences including permanent scarring, nerve damage, chronic pain, and limited mobility depending on the location and extent of the burn.
- Who Might Be Affected: While this incident involved an adult, heated throws can pose an even greater risk to vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, the elderly, individuals with diabetes or neurological conditions that impair sensation, and those with limited mobility who may not be able to react quickly to excessive heat. Pets are also at risk if they come into prolonged contact with an overheating blanket.
- Property Damage Potential: In extreme cases of overheating, electric blankets and throws can pose a fire hazard, potentially leading to significant property damage or even structural fires. Malfunctioning heating elements or control units can generate enough heat to ignite nearby flammable materials such as bedding, carpets, or furniture.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Berkshire Life EZ touch heated throw, or any similar electric heating product, should take the following precautions:
- Immediately Stop Use: If you experience any signs of overheating, smoke, unusual odors, or notice any damage to the blanket, control unit, or cord, immediately unplug the product and discontinue use. Do not attempt to repair it yourself.
- Inspect Your Product: Regularly inspect your heated throw for any signs of damage, including frayed cords, scorching, discolored spots, exposed wires, or a malfunctioning control unit.
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s care and use instructions. This includes guidance on washing, storage, and proper use, such as not tucking in the blanket, not placing heavy objects on it, and not using it with other heat sources.
- Avoid Overuse: Do not use heated throws for extended periods, especially unsupervised or while sleeping, unless specifically designed and certified for such use. Pay attention to automatic shut-off features and ensure they are working correctly.
- Report Incidents: If you or someone you know has experienced an incident or injury related to a Berkshire Life EZ touch heated throw or any other consumer product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. You should also contact the manufacturer directly.
- Keep Documentation: If an incident occurs, preserve the product, any packaging, receipts, and document the incident with photos and detailed notes.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of July 10, 2026, Berkshire Blanket & Home Co. (BBHC) has issued the following statement:
BBHC takes every consumer report seriously and considers the claims individually. BBHC immediately investigates each individual claim involving its products including, but not limited to, contacting the consumer and obtaining the product at issue so that appropriate inspection and testing can be performed. That investigation is ongoing, and no conclusions have yet been reached.
Consumer safety is BBHC’s highest priority. Based on the information currently available, BBHC is not aware of any systemic issue with the product that would present an undue safety or health risk to consumers when the product is used and maintained as directed. BBHC will continue to thoroughly evaluate this matter and will promptly notify the CPSC if any material facts emerge that would alter this assessment.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.