In another blow for General Motors, a Maine woman is claiming that the heated rear seat on a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban caused third-degree burns to her skin.

Rear Seat Heaters Allegedly Cause Skin Damage

The woman, who is also paralyzed from the waist down from a spinal operation, claims that she was unable to feel that the seat heaters had been switched on while she was riding in the car from New York City to Maine. The woman says that the back seat heaters of the Suburban reached such a high temperature that she woke to third-degree burns that resulted in a palm-sized blister that required surgery and bed rest.

Because the skin beneath the blister was scarred, the woman required a skin graft to replace the burned skin. She had to be on bed rest for three months at her parent's home. The burned area on her skin is prone to re-injury due to the skin graft and any further injury could come with dire medical consequences.

Alleged Negligence Leads to Severe Temperatures

She is suing GM for negligence, asserting that they have not properly tested the rear seat warmers to ensure they would not reach a high enough temperature to harm human skin.

In order to sue for negligence, the woman needs to prove that GM:

• Failed in their duty of care
• Committed a breach of duty
• Was negligent and directly caused her injuries by this negligence
• Sufficient damages resulted from the accident

The Center for Auto Safety has not had any complaints on the rear seat heaters on the Chevrolet Suburban. General Motors has denied the claims, stating that the seat heater was not dangerous and was not aware of any seat heater related issues in the car.

Both parties should be ready for trial by May 4, 2015. The woman is seeking compensation for past and future medical expenses, noneconomic damages, and other costs.