Many New Jersey residents either received or gave hoverboards as gifts during the holidays. Now, the U.S. government is warning that hoverboards present an unreasonable risk of fires resulting in injuries or deaths.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, people in 24 states reported hoverboard fires between Dec. 1, 2015 and Feb. 17, 2016. The fires reportedly caused $2 million in property damages and destroyed two residences and a car. The CPSC indicated they also pose an unreasonable risk of injuries from the fires because of a lack of safety standards.
In a letter, the CPSC indicated that it may seize hoverboards as they arrive as imports into the U.S. and may also seize those already offered for sale within the country. It seems likely that the hoverboards may be subjected to a recall. Currently, the government is asking the manufacturers to follow and implement Underwriters Laboratories safety standards for the products during the manufacturing and design process.
Because of the problems with hoverboard safety, people who have them may want to refrain from using them. Those who have suffered property damage or who have been injured as a result of a fire caused by their hoverboard may want to speak with a product liability attorney to see the recourse that may be available. When a product has a design defect that results in injuries to consumers, the injured victims may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer as well as other parties responsible for placing the product in the market through a product liability lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a hoverboard or another defective product, call the Cherry Hill personal injury lawyers at the offices of Folkman Law P.C., at 856-354-9444. Or contact us online.
