Bissell Steam Cleaner Recall Highlights Serious Burn Injury Risks

Bissell recently announced the recall of its steam cleaners. The matter has highlighted important issues on consumer safety and hazards associated with defective domestic appliances. This is because the Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach handheld steam cleaners have been recalled due to serious safety risks with the product. This includes an unexpected ejection of steam or hot water from the product, resulting in burn hazards to the user.

According to U.S. safety authorities, the issue with the recalled products concerns attachments that can separate or be ejected suddenly when the appliance is in operation. Due to the high pressure and heat of the water used by the device, users can sustain severe injuries due to the malfunctioning of the product under normal operation.

The recalled products had been made available to customers across the United States through retail giants such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Amazon.

Reports of burn injuries continue to grow 

This recall came after hundreds of customer complaints related to the steam cleaners. According to reports, at least 150 individuals had been burned by the faulty product. Some customers allegedly received serious burns that required medical intervention.

Injuries caused by steam and boiling water are particularly hazardous. The injured party might sustain second-degree burns, scars, nerve damage, infections, and other complications. In more extreme cases, injuries from burns might cause psychological distress and permanent disfigurement.

Although home appliances inevitably entail an element of danger, consumers still have a right to assume that the product will operate in a safe manner within normal conditions of use.

Understanding Florida product liability claims 

Under Florida law, manufacturers and suppliers can be liable for injuries sustained by consumers if their products are defective. Claims regarding liability arising out of product liability actions are categorized based on the following three criteria:

The first criterion is design defect, wherein a product becomes hazardous based on its design features. The second criterion is a manufacturing defect, wherein the product becomes hazardous due to errors during the manufacturing process. The third allegation is failure to warn, which means that the manufacturer failed to provide sufficient warnings about a known danger associated with the product.

Regarding the Bissell steam cleaner recall, injured consumers can raise claims of design defect or failure to address safety issues prior to the distribution of the product.

Defective household appliances can cause serious harm 

Steam cleaner advertisements always indicate that the product is safe and effective. Unfortunately, should the safety mechanisms fail or their attachments break down, users can be at risk of exposure to high-pressure steam and boiling water that can cause severe damage in mere seconds.

Product liability claims are not restricted to steam cleaners. Recalls and liability lawsuits often arise from defective kitchen appliances, electronic gadgets, batteries, pressure cookers, and more.

If you have been injured by a recalled product, you may have legal grounds for seeking damages for your losses, including medical bills and lost wages.

Talk to a Florida Product Liability Lawyer Today 

Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of Florida residents who have been injured by a dangerous or defective consumer product. Call our Florida personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your case right away.