Bissell has issued a recall for approximately 189,000 of its PowerSteamer™, CleanView™, and PowerLifter™ brand steam cleaners. According to the recall notice issued by the company, a defect in the cleaners can cause the steam chamber to eject, posing a risk of burn injuries to users. The affected models were sold between March 2021 and September 2022, primarily at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

Grounds For Filing A Personal Injury Lawsuit

Under Indiana law, anyone injured because of a defective or dangerous product may be eligible to pursue legal action for damages for the losses their injuries have caused them. A West Lafayette, IN personal injury lawyer can navigate you through this legal process.

Product Liability

Design defect: In cases like this, where a product’s design causes harm, injured individuals may have grounds to file a lawsuit based on a design defect. The defect must make the product unreasonably dangerous when used as intended or in a foreseeable manner.

  • Manufacturing defect: Alternatively, if the defect occurred during the manufacturing process, resulting in a flaw that caused harm, this could also be grounds for a lawsuit based on a manufacturing defect.
  • Failure to warn: Manufacturers have a duty to provide adequate warnings and instructions about potential risks associated with their products. If Bissell failed to adequately warn consumers about the burn risk associated with the steam cleaners, this could contribute to liability in a failure-to-warn claim.

Injuries And Damages

  • Burn injuries: Individuals who have suffered burn injuries due to using the defective steam cleaners may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment for burn injuries.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation may also cover the physical pain and emotional distress endured due to the injuries sustained from the defective product.
  • Lost wages: If the injuries caused the individual to miss work or resulted in a loss of income, they may seek compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.

Legal Considerations

  • Class action lawsuit: In cases where numerous individuals have been affected by a defective product, plaintiffs may join in a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer. This allows them to seek compensation for their injuries collectively and hold the manufacturer accountable for the defect.
  • Statute of limitations: It’s crucial for individuals considering legal action to be aware of the statute of limitations, which sets the time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed after the injury occurred. Promptly consulting with a personal injury attorney can help ensure compliance with this deadline.
  • Evidence and documentation: Gathering evidence, such as medical records documenting the injuries and treatment received, proof of purchase, and any communications with Bissell or the retailer, will be essential to support the personal injury claim.

Legal Obligations

Bissell’s recall of the steam cleaners underscores the manufacturer’s responsibility to promptly address safety issues and inform consumers about potential risks associated with their products. However, a recall does not absolve them of liability for injuries consumers suffer.

Manufacturers have a legal obligation to design, produce, and distribute products that are reasonably safe for their intended use. When a defect causes harm, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages under product liability laws.

The Bissell steam cleaner recall is a stark reminder of the risks associated with defective products and the potential for serious consumer injuries. Injured individuals can seek compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the defective product by filing a lawsuit.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a defective or dangerous product, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC for a free consultation and find out how we can help.