Dehumidifier Fire Lawsuit Attorneys

Major Dehumidifier Recall Over Fire Hazards Surfaces: Over 1.5 Million Units Affected

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issues a public warning concerning the potential fire hazards of certain dehumidifiers. This has led to a significant recall of over 1.5 million units from renowned brands including Kenmore and GE.

Wednesday saw the recall of over 40 distinct dehumidifier models due to rising concerns over fire risks stemming from several reports of these devices overheating. The CPSC disclosed that there have been a concerning 23 cases of fires, along with 688 incidents where the units overheated, leading to a cumulative property damage that totals around $168,000.

These particular models, which have now raised eyebrows, were all products of the Gree appliance company based in China. Their production dates range from January 2011 to February 2014. The gravity of the situation is such that the CPSC is now advising consumers who possess these dehumidifiers to cease their use immediately, unplug them, and get in touch with Gree for a full refund.

Among the brands involved in the recall aside from Kenmore and GE are SoleusAir, Norpole, and Seabreeze. They were available for purchase across various U.S. retailers, encompassing the likes of Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, Sam’s Club, Sears, and Walmart. The retail prices of these dehumidifiers spanned between $110 and $400.

But this isn’t the first time the spotlight has been on Gree Electric Appliances. The CPSC has issued an independent warning pertaining to the company’s dehumidifiers, encouraging consumers to verify if their models were involved in any Gree recalls from as far back as 2013. Between 2016 and 2022, there were troubling reports of four fatalities that were potentially linked to these dehumidifiers, with each case being tied to a residential fire.

Last year, Gree, along with two of its subsidiary companies, entered into a $91 million agreement. This was due to their failure to alert the CPSC about the multitude of faulty dehumidifiers they had sold in the U.S. that posed fire risks. As a result of this agreement, Gree has now pledged to reinforce its compliance procedures and augment its reporting standards.

In the midst of this recent recall, Gree hasn’t issued a direct comment yet. However, both the CPSC and Gree have furnished lists of the impacted model numbers on their respective websites. Gree, in its recall notice, stated that the recall was conducted voluntarily and emphasized its unwavering commitment to consumer safety.

In situations where consumers experience harm or potential harm due to defective products, such as the recently recalled dehumidifiers, legal action can be a viable course of action. Below is a detailed analysis of the motivations behind filing a lawsuit and the potential damages that victims could seek:

Reasons to File a Lawsuit

1. Compensation for Damages: Legal action often stems from a desire to receive compensation for tangible and intangible losses experienced due to the faulty product.
2. Ensuring Corporate Accountability: Lawsuits can serve as mechanisms to hold companies responsible for the quality and safety of their products, ensuring they adhere to industry standards.
3. Public Awareness: Legal cases can amplify the severity of an issue, informing others about potentially harmful products and encouraging caution.
4. Promotion of Safety: By highlighting the consequences of negligence, lawsuits can potentially influence manufacturers and regulators to prioritize consumer safety in future operations.
5. Seeking Justice: For many affected individuals, filing a lawsuit offers a sense of personal justice, providing closure to traumatic experiences.

Potential Damages to Pursue

1. Compensatory Damages: These are aimed at restoring victims to their original state before the damage occurred. They may include:
   • Medical Expenses: Any costs linked to treating injuries resulting from the product.
   • Property Damage: Compensation for belongings or homes damaged by the faulty product.
   • Lost Wages: Reimbursement for earnings lost due to recovery periods or other disruptions caused by the product.
   • Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for the physical and emotional distress suffered due to the incident.
2. Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s behavior is particularly egregious or malicious, courts might award punitive damages. These are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.
3. Product Replacement or Refund: Plaintiffs might seek the cost of replacing the faulty product or desire a complete refund.
4. Incidental and Consequential Damages: These cover costs directly resulting from a product defect, like the purchase of replacement products or additional safety measures.
5. Wrongful Death: If a faulty product results in a fatality, the family of the deceased could seek damages. This could include funeral costs, loss of future earnings, and compensation for the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
6. Legal Fees and Court Costs: Victims often seek to have their legal expenses covered by the defendant, especially in cases where the lawsuit is successful.

It’s important for those who are contemplating legal action to speak with one of our experienced legal professionals who can offer guidance, assess the potential worth of their claims, and champion their rights throughout the process.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a Free Case Review

Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous products like this defective product. For your free consultation, contact our national product liability law firm today by using our live chat or calling 800-968-7529.