Numerous hoverboard fires have highlighted hoverboard safety issues as the lack of standards for the product is raising concern for consumers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a statement regarding defective hoverboard devices and issued a warning to consumers who wish to purchase hoverboards, product liability attorneys note. In July 2016, the CPSC announced a hoverboard recall involving over 500,000 units. A hoverboard lawsuits is an option for people injured by fires or other hazards posed by these products.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a hoverboard or have questions about the hoverboard recall, contact Attorney Group today. We offer free, confidential consultations and can help answer your questions. If you choose to pursue a claim for compensation, we can connect you with an affiliated product liability attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
Consumer Safety Agency Racing Against The Clock To Discover Cause Of Fires
According to mashable.com, the CPSC is racing against the clock to discover the root cause of the hoverboard fires, how much of a risk it might present, and to provide consumers with answers as soon as possible. In a warning issued by the safety agency’s chairman regarding hoverboard safety, Elliot F. Kaye stated:
“I am concerned that there is no safety standard in place for hoverboards. Retailers should always be asking their suppliers if there is an applicable safety standard in place before agreeing to sell those products. The absence of any standard should cause retailers to require extra proof of sound manufacturing and quality control processes.”
The CPSC has offered some tips for consumers who have bought a hoverboard (also referred to as a smart board or a balance board), to help reduce the risk of an incident.
- Avoid buying the hoverboard at a location or on a website that does not have information about who is selling the product and how they can be contacted if there is a problem.
- Do not charge a hoverboard overnight or when you are not able to observe the device.
- Charge and store in an open dry area away from combustibles.
- Do not charge the hoverboard directly after using the hoverboard. Let the device cool for at least an hour before charging.
- If giving a hoverboard to someone for the holidays, leave the device in its partially charged state. Do not take it out of the package to bring it to a full charge and then wrap it back up.
- Look for the mark of a certified national testing laboratory. While this does not rule out counterfeits, the absence of such a mark means your safety is at risk.
Hoverboard Recall Issued Due to Unresolved Concerns
In July 2016, the CPSC announced a recall of over 500,000 hoverboards. The agency cited as the reason for the hoverboard recall concerns that:
The lithium-ion battery packs in the self-balancing scooters/hoverboards can overheat, posing a risk of the products smoking, catching fire and/or exploding.
In the announcement, the CPSC lists a number of manufacturers and retailers of the products and advises consumers to contact these companies to arrange for a return of the products and a full refund of the purchase price.
How a Hoverboard Lawsuit Can Help
Manufacturers have a duty to make products that are safe and free of defects. If this duty is breached, people injured as a result of the defect or unreasonable danger may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and suffering
If an unsafe product kills a person, family members may be eligible to seek compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Loss of the deceased person’s economic support
- Mental anguish caused by the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
People injured, or the family members of those killed, by a dangerous product are encouraged to seek legal counsel to determine their rights to compensation.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information about the hoverboard recall or your options for pursuing a hoverboard lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for more information. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
