Defective Outdoor Products

Product Liability Attorney

Defective outdoor products are the focus of several recalls announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) every year. These include lawn mowers, garden tractors, welders, electric blowers and other landscaping and gardening equipment. Outdoor furniture and accessories like deck and patio furniture, wooden hammock stands, outdoor candles, outdoor charcoal and gas grills and backyard fire pits have also been recalled by the CPSC for the fall, burn, and mutilation risks they pose to users.

When you consider that the injuries caused by a defective outdoor product may lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages from missed work and various other losses or expenses, it is important to determine what can be done to seek financial compensation. The manufacturer may be held accountable, but it may be difficult to file a claim or lawsuit without legal representation. Large manufacturing companies have attorneys or teams of attorneys whose purpose is to address product liability lawsuits, and an unrepresented consumer is highly unlikely to receive a fair settlement.

A product liability lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP can protect your legal rights to the fullest extent when handling your claim. We know how to take a stand against manufacturers and insurance companies alike and are prepared to fight for our clients' rights inside and outside of the courtroom. Some of the types of cases we can handle related to outdoor products include:

Barbecue Equipment

An outdoor barbecue is a treasured part of American culture, but these outdoor gatherings can end in disaster due to faulty grills, fireplaces and fire pits that can cause serious burn injuries. These accidents are especially frequent on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and other American holidays that involve the hosting of traditional barbecue events in the backyard.

Several models of barbecue equipment have been recalled in recent years, after excessive heating of gas hoses led to gas fire accidents and burns. The cooking chambers of a grill can melt from extreme heat, causing flames to erupt suddenly and unexpectedly. Paint on outdoor fireplaces can ignite resulting in serious damage and injury.

Garden Furniture

There have been reports of garden furniture such as wooden hammocks suddenly breaking, exposing the user to neck and back injuries, head injuries, lacerations, fractured ribs and other injuries. Such tipping, collapse and fall accidents have also been reported with beach chairs, picnic tables, lounge chairs, outdoor rocking chairs and patio furniture sets. Some log swings have reportedly collapsed when the seat separated from the rest of the swing. Also, defective outdoor candles have reportedly ignited into enormous flames.

Landscaping Equipment

Landscaping equipment like lawnmowers not equipped with safety features intended to prevent blades from turning when the mower is in reverse have caused severe injuries to consumers. Lawnmowers lacking safety guards can allow small stones and rocks in the yard to shoot out toward the operator. These pebbles can shoot out with at high rates of speed, causing face, head and bodily injuries to people standing in the vicinity. Some mowers have also been found to allow blades to turn even when the mower is lifted off the ground, exposing feet to severe lacerations and amputations. In addition to these, gardening equipment like gas powered mowers and hedge trimmers can have defective fuel tanks that can cause explosions and fires.

Swimming Pools and Home Spas

Swimming pools and home spas seem harmless. Hot tubs may seem like an ideal addition to your backyard, but some have been found to overheat, resulting in fires. Children's wading pools and swimming pools that come with single drain caps have been the scene of horrific accidents. These drains have incredible suction power and the suctioning ability to hold adults and young children at the bottom of the pool, mutilating or drowning them.

For experienced counsel with a case involving a defective outdoor product, contact a product liability attorney at our law office.