Electrolux Group Reannounces Recall Of Frigidaire And Kenmore Electric Ranges Due To Fire And Burn Hazards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced the recall of Frigidaire and Kenmore Smooth-top Freestanding Electric Ranges via its website. According to the recall, the surface heating elements can 1) turn on spontaneously without being switched on; 2) fail to turn off after being switched off; or 3) heat to different temperatures than those selected by the user. These defects pose fire and burn hazards to consumers.

The manufacturers are willing to either refund customers or repair the device. The recall affects about 203,000 units. The ranges were previously recalled in August 2009. To participate in the recall, consumers are instructed to register online at Electrolux’s website. Based on the serial number of the individual unit, the manufacturer will make a determination on whether or not the range can be repaired or not.

Consumers with impacted ranges are instructed to contact Electrolux for steps to avoid a burn injury, including not leaving anything on the range when it is not in use. If the range is repairable, Electrolux will conduct a free inspection and repair. If the range cannot be repaired, consumers will receive a refund in the form of a $50 electronic gift card and reimbursement of up to $60 for the haul-away fee after they have submitted proof of purchase of a new range. Electrolux said that they will reimburse haul-away fees of over $60 if the consumer provides receipts or other documentation showing paid haul-away fees.

Injuries stemming from this device 

Since the recall was announced in 2008, Electrolux has received at least 212 reports of the ranges not operating properly. This includes 14 reports of fires and 8 reports of injuries involving burns to the hands or arms, as well as smoke inhalation.

Those who experienced fires related to the defective ranges can file lawsuits against Electrolux for a design defect. Design defect is one of three allegations you can make in a product liability lawsuit. The other two are manufacturing defects and failure to warn. In this case, an intrinsic defect with the device itself causes it to heat up on its own, not turn off properly, or not deliver the temperature specified by the user.

Those who sustained burn injuries can file personal injury lawsuits against Electrolux related to medical expenses incurred as a result of the injury, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. The recall notice does not specify if the injuries were serious. It’s likely that those burned by the defective ranges incurred medical expenses as a result of their injuries. If so, that is compensable along with pain and suffering damages.

Talk to a Florida Consumer Product Liability Lawyer Today 

The Florida personal injury attorneys at Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of those who have been injured by dangerous or defective products. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your claims right away.

Source:

cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Electrolux-Group-Reannounces-Recall-of-Frigidaire-and-Kenmore-Electric-Ranges-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Multiple-Fires-and-Injuries-Reported