Sutphen Firetrucks Defective Aerial Ladder. Our firm is investigating potential lawsuits over Sutphen’s aerial platform firetrucks. These trucks have been recalled due to an issue that causes them to retract unexpectedly, injuring firefighters. If you have questions about the Sutphen ladder recall or want to know more about your legal rights, contact Parker Waichman LLP today for a free, no-obligation legal consultation.
Aerial Ladders can Suddenly Collapse, Recalls Issued
Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that Sutphen Corp. recalled 156 aerial platform trucks on November 11, 2013, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The recall was issued because the trucks’ aerial ladder could retract unexpectedly, injuring users. The issue stemmed from ball bearings that could seize; as a result, cables running over the bears may chafe and fail. The models affected included the SPH100, SPI112, and SAI110 from model years 2000 to 2011.
firefighters were injured
The Columbus Dispatch reports that Sutphen issued another recall in July 2014. The recall was issued hours after three firefighters were injured in Hall County, Georgia when a ladder suddenly retracted more than 20 feet and jammed. The incident occurred during a training session as the fire fighters were in a bucket atop the ladder on a 2006 model year truck. The month prior, another three firefighters in Erie, Pennsylvania were injured when their aerial platform quickly collapsed in a 2010 truck. This recall involved the same models as the November 2013 recall.
In August 2014, NHTSA began investigating Sutphen’s firetruck recall to determine if the company adequately repaired the faulty ladders. The investigation included trucks from the 2000 to 2012 model years. Drew Sutphen, company president, stated on the website that fire departments should not use the ladders until further notice. The statement indicated that the company had “voluntarily removed all 5-Section Aerial Devices (SPH 100, SP 110, SPI 112, and SAI 110) from service”.
NHTSA stated in December 2014 that Sutphen’s recall, which began in November, was being issued because the cable failure could cause the ladder to retract, “increasing the risk of injury to a user” according to an Associated Press report. The recall covers trucks from the 2000 to 2014 model years.
Legal Help for Sutphen Firetrucks Customers
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by the Sutphen firetruck recall, you may have valuable legal rights. We urge you to contact our product liability lawyers today by filling out our online form or calling 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
