Even though the general public normally associates product recalls with pharmaceuticals, medical devices and automobiles, defective products can be things that are in our daily lives. Even household items can be dangerous to use and have the potential to injure consumers. While the FDA is the government agency that oversees recalls of medical products, it is the Consumer Product Safety Commission who regulates other household products. They publish information about safety recalls on their website. Here are some product recalls in 2019 that involve common products that are frequently used by many people either daily or regularly.
Inclined Sleepers
Fisher Price Rock n Play Sleepers have been the subject of numerous reports of deaths that were associated with the product. Over 30 reported deaths have occurred from inclined sleepers. The infants have not been restrained when they are sleeping and they have rolled over from back to front. When that happens, infants are at risk of asphyxiating. These products have sold millions of units across all manufacturers. In addition to the Fisher Price recall, other makers of the product have also recalled their product and have offered a credit voucher in exchange. In total, there have been over 5 million units of this product that have been recalled.
Universal Security Instruments Smoke Alarms
This recall has affected almost 200,000 units. The specific defect is that there is a misaligned internal switch causing the alarms to not activate properly. As a result, those who have the alarm installed may not receive notification of a fire. At the time of the recall, there were 134 reports of the alarm failing to activate in the event of a fire. When the recall notice was issued, customers were urged to test their smoke alarms and refunds were issued for the products that did not function properly.
MacBook Pro Laptop Computers
Apple was forced to recall over 400,000 of these units because there was a fire risk. Specifically, the batteries in the recalled laptop computers can overheat, posing a fire hazard. Apple received 26 reports of the laptop’s battery overheating, including five reports of minor burns and one report of smoke inhalation, as well as 17 reports of minor damage to nearby personal property. Customers who were impacted by the recall were directed to stop using their computers and take them for free repair of the unit.
South Shore Furniture Chest of Drawers
Approximately 310,000 units were recalled because the chests are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing serious tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in death or injuries to children. There were two tip-over incidents that caused injury. One resulted in a child receiving bruises while the other resulted in the death of a two-year old child. Customers were able to return the units for a refund or have the manufacturer repair them to reduce the risk of tip-over. These units were sold over a period of 10 years at Target and Amazon for a low price so they were mass produced and marketed.
Tekno Tough Smoke-Less Grill
40,000 units were recalled because the grill can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. There were 12 reports of the grill overheating, including five reports of fire resulting in property damage and a report of a minor burn injury. The recall directed customers to stop using the product and to return the grill immediately to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
American Honda Portable Generators
Approximately 200,000 generators were recalled because the portable generator can leak gasoline from the fuel valve, posing fire and burn hazards. While there have been no injuries reported from this product defect, there were multiple reports of fuel leaking from the generator. Product users were able to bring the product back for a free repair that would remedy the problem.
DeWalt Drills
122,000 units were recalled because the drill’s wiring can contact internal moving parts, posing a shock hazard. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the defect. The manufacturer offered consumers a free inspection and repair if necessary.
Jumper Trampolines
Several different brands of jumper trampolines were recalled for differing reasons. One brand was recalled because the welds on the metal railings (legs) can fail, posing fall and injury hazards. Earlier in the year, another brand of mini trampoline was recalled because the folding trampoline’s frame can forcefully hit the user. This caused cuts, bruises and dental injuries when the frame hit the mouth.
As you can see, seemingly innocuous products that we use on a daily basis can cause serious injury or death. If you are fortunate, the defect will be discovered and a recall issues before the defective product can cause any injury. If you have been injured by a defective product, the manufacturer or the seller of the product can be found liable for the injuries that you have suffered. Contact a defective products lawyer to find out more about how you can file a lawsuit in court to receive the compensation that you deserve for your injury.