Napa Files Bankruptcy: Firepot manufacturer files for protection as company faces impending lawsuits

On July 5, 2011, Napa Home and Garden filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in response to multiple lawsuits filed against the company alleging serious injury from defective firepot products.  Napa has faced "significant operating difficulties" since the reports of injuries linked to firepots and firepot gel fuel. The company anticipates expensive litigation, as well as large customer returns, stemming from the Consumer Product and Safety Commission's (CPSC) gel fuel recall on June 22, 2011.

According to the recall, "The pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and objects nearby when it is poured into a firepot that is still burning. This hazard can occur if the consumer does not see the flame or is not aware that the firepot is still ignited. Fuel gel that splatters and ignites can pose fire and burn risks to consumers."

Motley Rice personal injury lawyers Kevin Dean and David Hoyle, who represent firepot victims, told The Post and Courier that they will continue to pursue any applicable insurance policies of Napa, as well as claims against any other defendants potentially liable in the lawsuits that include companies that manufactured the gel fuel and packaging.

Read the full article on the Napa bankruptcy.  

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