The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announces recalls of dangerous or defective products throughout the year, but its reports are especially important around the holiday season. This time of year, the stores are packed with shoppers and people are going online to search for the perfect gift for loved ones. The last thing you want is for a hazardous product to cause injuries to yourself or the recipient, but this is exactly what could happen when manufacturers and other entities in the supply chain do not take measures to ensure their products are safe.
While you should always trust a Miami product liability attorney to handle the legal tasks if you were hurt, check out some of the recent product recalls before going holiday shopping this year.
Children’s Products and Toys
Younger kids have a tendency to put everything into their mouths, which is why Target was forced to issue a recall for toddler boots. The affected products have an elastic lace with a clasp that tightens the shaft of the boot to keep out snow and ice. The toggle fastener can detach from the lace, potentially causing a child to choke.
Another key product recall affects Nomad 4a bicycles manufactured by Santa Cruz. Not all models are dangerous, since only those from a particular lot are defective due to a manufacturing error in the production process. The aluminum frame could fail on affected bikes, posing a fall hazard.
Outdoor Equipment
The climate around South Florida enables residents to enjoy the outdoors year-round, so be aware of two product recalls that could impact your activities. Thermo Tents announced issues with its dome tents, centering on a labelling mistake: The company erroneously identified the tents as being flame retardant in the documentation included with the product.
If your outdoor activities involve landscaping, you should be aware of a recall issued by Black & Decker. The company announced that one of its chainsaw models could fire up unexpectedly when the extension pole is in the downward position, potentially leading to serious lacerations.
Common Product Types That End Up on the Recall List
There are certain categories of defects that seem to frequently be the subject of a recall announcement, including:
- Fire Hazards and Related Issues: Issues involving lights, candles, wax warmers, luminaries, and related products are common. In addition, children’s clothing is often recalled when it does not comply with federal regulations on flame resistant fabrics.
- Furniture Tip-Overs: Tall and top-heavy furniture appears on the recall list frequently because of tip-overs, but the remedy is often a strap to anchor the piece to the wall.
Discuss Your Legal Options with a Miami Product Liability Lawyer
This is just a short list of the products recently recalled by government officials or voluntarily by the manufacturer, but it is a good idea to check it frequently this holiday season. For more information about your rights as the victim of a dangerous, defective product, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA. We can set up a no-cost case evaluation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.