Burn Damage Reported From Thermostats
On April 30, 2014, White-Rodgers, a division of Emerson Electric Co., issued a recall for more than one million thermostats due to the potential for the batteries to leak onto the circuit boards and cause a fire. The thermostats were made in China by White-Rodgers, but some models may have various brand names printed on the front such as:
- Zonefirst
- Westinghouse
- Water Furnace
- Unico
- Ruud
- Rheem
- Partners Choice
- Nutone
- Maytag
- Frigidaire
- Emerson
- DICO
- ComfortSentry
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, no injuries have been reported, but they have received seven cases of burn damage to the thermostat, two of which involved minor property damage. The CPSC stated that consumers should examine their units to determine if they are included in the recall due to the potential for burn damage; recalled thermostats do not have a battery icon on the left side of the blue lighted screen. If a battery icon is not shown, consumers are urged to contact White-Rodgers to receive a free replacement thermostat or to have their current units repaired.
An estimated 740,000 of the thermostats were sold throughout the U.S., and an additional 403,000 were sold in Canada. The units retailed for between $30 and $70 at hardware retailers and heating and air conditioning equipment distributors and manufacturers across the U.S. between January 2006 and December 2013.
Importance of Seeking Counsel
If you suffered from burn damage, property damage or other complication resulting from an allegedly defective thermostat or other consumer product, an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights. Manufacturers have the legal responsibility to ensure that they products they design, manufacture and market are safe when used as directed and that they adequately warn consumers of the risks or dangers associated with the product.
However, if an individual experiences burn damage, injuries or death as a result of complications of the product, he, she or a surviving family may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible for compensation for any damages incurred as a result of the allegedly defective device.
Contact Attorney Group Today
If you or a loved one have suffered from burn damage or sustained serious injuries due to a defective product, Attorney Group can provide you with a free case evaluation and help determine if you have a claim. We can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you in pursuing a claim and help seek compensation to which you may be entitled such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages and medical expenses.
