[REAL 1]

Mr. Bruce: Good question. I have always thought it would expose an owner to liability. I think the child may in fact have a decent claim.

You as an owner know that the pipes get extremely hot, especially with stainless or chromed pipes. Others not as familar with the fact that the pipes do get extremely hot, especially children who don't appreciate or understand won't fully apprehend the danger. Its clearly forseeable that someone could get seriously burned when looking at the car. These cars bring lots of attention and in fact the object at many events is to show the car off and have people look at the car. It could be argued that the owner should reasonably have warned about the danger and protected against it.

As we all know burn injuries are extremely painful. In fact studies have shown that they are probably the single most painful injury a person can sustain. Lower extremity burns are subject to infection and other complications.

I many times wait by my car in crowded areas like cruise nights until the pipes have cooled down and specifically watch to make sure kids don't get too close to side pipes.