In the last four days, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced
the recalls of four products due to concerns that they could pose an electrical
or fire hazard to users. Products that are part of the recalls include:
Approximately 13,000 Ritchie immersion heaters: The reason for the recall is that there is a possibility the heater could
crack, exposing the heating element in the heater to water. If this happens,
someone who comes in contact with the heater could experience electric
shock. To date, there have been 44 reports of heater covers cracking.
Fortunately, no one has been injured so far. With the cold weather expected
to last in many parts of the United States for at least several more weeks,
however, now is a good time to return these heaters and get them replaced.
Holiday Ultra-Brite Lights distributed by Universal Distribution Center: Some 52,000 products are part of this recall. A defect involving undersized
wires could cause the light sockets to become exposed if the wires separate
from the plugs. The CPSC is concerned that this product may pose a fire
or electric shock hazard to users.
All-Clad 4-Square Belgian Waffle Makers, distributed by All-Clad Metalcrafters LLC: The waffle maker’s wiring is easily damaged and could pose a shock
or fire hazard if someone were to come in contact with the waffle maker’s
metal parts. Already there have been 20 reports of the waffle makers giving
out sparks. No injuries have been reported so far. These waffles are sold
only through Williams-Sonoma.
Approximately 430 Tealight Candleholders, which are sold at Seventh Avenue
and distributed by Berkeley Designs: The CPSC says the resin accents on the candleholder’s sides could
ignite and cause a fire. While no injuries have been reported, there is
one report of a candleholder catching fire.
Defective Household Products
While household products and furniture items may seem like useful and
generally harmless items to have in your home and around your children,
there are those products that are defectively made or end up malfunctioning
that could pose a serious physical threat or health risk to you and your
family. Dangerous electrical appliances, such as defective microwaves,
washing machines, stereos, coffee makers, dishwashers, heaters, refrigerators,
and other products that require the use of electricity can turn into dangerous
products that leave you vulnerable to electrocution injuries, electrical
burns, burn injuries, or death. A small fire caused by a defective electrical
appliance or another item requiring the use of flames could rapidly turn
into a devastating blaze that could destroy not just your home but the
lives of those you love.
The manufacturers of household products and other consumer goods must
be held accountable if a defective or malfunctioning product causes an
injury or death. Filing a products liability lawsuit is one way to hold
the negligent party liable.
Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard, CPSC, March 4, 2009
Holiday Lights Recalled by Universal Distribution Center Due to Shock and
Fire Hazard, CPSC, March 4, 2009
All-Clad Recalls 4-Square Belgian Waffle Makers Due to Shock Hazard; Sold
Exclusively at Williams-Sonoma, CPSC, March 4, 2009
Seventh Avenue Recalls Tealight Candleholders Due to Fire Hazard, CPSC, March 3, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Protect yourself and your home from electrical hazards
Electrical Safety, CDC
Burn Survivor Resource Center
In the United States, contact Gilbert & Ollanik, PC today. Our products liability attorneys are experienced in dealing with all kinds of defective consumer products.