CPSC Recalling 500,000 Hoverboards Due to Fire Danger

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recalling more than 500,000 hoverboards because of fire hazards that pose the risk of serious burn injuries. According to an ABC News report, the recall involves hoverboards from eight manufacturers or importers that are made with lithium-ion battery packs as well as 4,300 from Overstock.com and 1,300 from a store in Pennsylvania. Amazon.com is not listed in the recall. However, in February, Amazon worked with CPSC to offer refunds to any customer who wanted to return hoverboards purchased through their website.

Serious Fire and Explosion Risks

Of the hoverboards that are being recalled, products made by Swagway make up more than half the recall – about 267,000. Regulators are urging consumers to act quickly and get rid of these dangerous and defective products. CPSC has issued a definitive conclusion that these hoverboards were defectively designed and pose a serious risk of exploding and catching fire. A number of reported incidents have shown that the battery packs in the hoverboards might overheat, start to smoke or catch fire. They may also explode, causing serious injuries and property damage.

Nearly 100 incidents involving hoverboards have been reported nationwide. The recalled hoverboards were made in China and sold mostly by online retailers between June 2015 and May 2016 for about $350 to $900. In fact, these products were hot Christmas list items in 2015. A lot of the incident reports came early this year. Hoverboards have also been banned by major airlines in carry-on or checked-in baggage because of the fire and explosion hazards they pose. A number of college campuses across the country also banned these products.

If You Have Been Injured

If you have been injured by a hoverboard, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your legal rights. First, preserve the product as is. Do not dispose of it. If you choose to file a product defect case against the manufacturer/distributor/retailer, it is important that you preserve the product so it could be tested for defects, design flaws and malfunctions.

Get prompt medical attention and treatment for your injuries. Keep track of all expenses including property damage that was caused by the defective hoverboard. Contact an experienced Los Angeles hoverboard injury lawyer who will fight for your rights and ensure that the negligent manufacturers are held accountable. You may be eligible to seek compensation for damages including property loss, medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitative therapy, pain and suffering and emotional distress.