Husqvarna Recalls 403,000 Gas String Trimmers For Fire Hazard

The yard tools company, Husqvarna, recently announced the recall of 403,000 gas string trimmers (also called grass trimmers) due to a potential fire hazard. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, incorrect wiring in the ignition module can cause an electrical spark or arcing, which is when electricity jumps from one spot to another producing a lot of heat in the process). This, in turn, poses a serious fire hazard if gas is on or near the unit.

Husqvarna has received 12 reports from the U.S. of the grass trimmer catching on fire. Two of these reports included property damage while another described one customer who suffered burn injuries on their arms and legs after attempting to extinguish the fire.

The grass trimmers were sold at Lowes, Tractor Supply, and other home and garden stores across the country. They were also sold on Amazon.com. The grass trimmers were available to the public between October 2021 and November 2023 for between $250 and $300.

Husqvarna is warning consumers to immediately stop using the grass trimmer and contact them to schedule a free repair.

Potential product liability lawsuits related to Husqvarna grass trimmer 

While a recall, in and of itself, doesn’t entitle a consumer to file a product liability lawsuit, there are at least three cases that would qualify. In order to prove a product liability lawsuit, a customer must be able to establish that the defective product resulted in some form of actionable loss. This can include either property damage or personal injury. There were at least three cases that could potentially result in product liability lawsuits against Husqvarna. Two of these involved allegations of property damage while the other involved allegations of personal injury.

Two customers allegedly suffered property damage as a result of the electrical arcing. Husqvarna would be on the hook to pay these customers the estimated costs related to replacing the damaged property.

Another customer alleged that they suffered burn injuries as a result of the electrical arcing. Burn injuries are generally handsomely compensated in personal injury lawsuits. Often, plaintiffs suffer permanent scarring as a result of the burns and in some cases, they require surgery including skin grafts. This can sometimes result in a lack of mobility, chronic and ongoing pain, and mutilation injuries. It remains unclear how severely injured the customer was by the product, but Husqvarna is liable for their injuries.

In addition to Husqvarna, the company that sold the product and made it available to the public can also be sued. In this case, major retailers like Lowes and Amazon could face personal injury lawsuits related to the defective grass trimmers.

Injured by a Defective Product? Talk to a Florida Product Liability Lawyer Today 

The Florida personal injury attorneys at Halpern, Santos, & Pinkert represent the interests of consumers in product liability cases. You must be able to establish that you were injured by a dangerous or defective product. If so, we can help you recover damages related to your medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. Call today to learn more.

Source:

cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Husqvarna-Recalls-Grass-Trimmers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard