January 7, 2026 – A consumer has reported suffering a severe thermal burn injury from a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 SM-R935U while wearing the device on their wrist during sleep. The incident, which occurred on December 5, 2025, resulted in a significant fluid-filled blister and subsequent deep tissue damage, necessitating ongoing medical care.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 5, 2025, a consumer reported sustaining a thermal injury while wearing their Samsung Galaxy Watch6 LTE (40mm), model SM-R935U, on their wrist during sleep. The individual woke to discover a prominent, fluid-filled bulla (blister) approximately 2cm in diameter located directly beneath the watch’s sensor array. The injury was explicitly described as a thermal burn, consistent with overheating components, rather than a rash or allergic reaction.
The injury progressed rapidly, with the blister roof detaching by December 9, revealing deep tissue damage and a necrotic wound bed. As of December 15, the wound remained open, scabbing, and required continuous medical attention. The affected device has been removed from use and preserved, with photographic evidence documenting the entire injury progression. The consumer reported this incident to highlight the potential for similar thermal runaway events and to prevent other users from experiencing such injuries.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights significant safety concerns related to wearable electronic devices, particularly the potential for thermal injuries.
- Immediate Dangers: The most immediate danger is the risk of thermal burns, which can range from superficial blistering to deep tissue damage. These burns can cause intense pain, discomfort, and significant disruption to daily life.
- Long-term Risks: Deep thermal burns, as described in this incident, carry a high risk of long-term complications including permanent scarring, skin discoloration, chronic pain, and an increased susceptibility to infection at the wound site. Necrotic tissue can lead to prolonged healing times and may require debridement or skin grafting in severe cases.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone wearing the affected smartwatch model is potentially at risk, especially during extended periods of wear, such as while sleeping, when constant monitoring of the device’s temperature is not feasible. Individuals with sensitive skin, impaired sensation, or compromised circulation may be particularly vulnerable.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary concern in this incident is personal injury, severe overheating in electronic devices can, in rare instances, pose a fire hazard, potentially leading to damage to bedding or other nearby materials.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 SM-R935U or a similar smartwatch model, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and take preventative measures.
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you notice your smartwatch becoming unusually warm, or if you experience any discomfort, tingling, redness, or burning sensation on your skin underneath the device, remove it immediately. If a burn or blister develops, seek prompt medical attention. Document the injury with photographs and preserve the device, if safe to do so.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Verify the model number of your Samsung Galaxy Watch. The affected model in this report is SM-R935U (Galaxy Watch6 LTE 40mm). This information can usually be found on the device itself, its packaging, or in the device’s settings menu.
- Prevention Measures:
* Avoid wearing smartwatches too tightly, as this can restrict airflow and trap heat against the skin.
* Consider removing your smartwatch during sleep or for extended periods to allow your skin to breathe and to monitor for any device overheating.
* Periodically check the skin under your smartwatch for any signs of irritation, redness, or heat.
* Do not use a smartwatch that shows any signs of damage, such as a swollen battery or a cracked casing, as this could indicate an internal defect.
* Ensure the device is clean and dry before wearing, especially the sensor array.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident or discover a defect with your product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Also, contact the manufacturer directly to inform them of the incident.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this report, no response from SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS AMERICA, INC. (SEA) regarding this specific incident has been provided.
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.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
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.