Costco Patio Swing Recall Raises Serious Fall Injury Concerns
With the arrival of warmer weather, numerous households will be shopping for patio furniture as they plan on spending some time enjoying themselves in the backyard. However, with the current recall of patio swings at Costco, there is an increased concern for consumer safety. In these cases, it’s obvious that poor quality products lead to serious injuries that could make way for liability claims against the product manufacturer. It should be noted that the recall on the patio swings followed reports of dangerous fall accidents and serious injuries to consumers.
Why were the patio swings recalled?
The recall concerns patio swings branded Agio and retailed in Costco stores across the U.S. Federal authorities issued the recall following complaints about the product’s tendency to come apart unexpectedly while in use. Injuries to consumers have been reported. This includes bruises and arm injuries sustained due to unanticipated falls from the seats.
Furniture items used outside should be designed in such a way that they provide adequate support to the users during ordinary use. In the event of a malfunction of an outdoor furniture item, the consumer may experience injuries due to unforeseen circumstances.
Consumers are urged not to use the swings and contact the concerned company regarding any necessary repairs.
Common injuries caused by defective outdoor furniture
Faulty patio furniture not only leads to simple inconveniences but it can also result in severe bodily injury, especially for the elderly and young children. The most common forms of injury resulting from the faulty furniture include:
- Bone fractures
- Shoulder/arm injuries
- Spinal/back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries/concussions
- Skin cuts/lacerations
- Tissue soft-tissue injuries
It is possible that in some instances, the victims would need immediate emergency care, surgeries, or physical rehabilitation after falling from faulty furniture.
Who is liable for a defective product injury?
In cases where an injury results from a recalled product, liability can be shared by different companies. The following parties can be sued for injuries sustained from a defective product:
- Product Manufacturer
- Supplier
- Distributor
- Retailer selling the product
Under Florida product liability law, you can claim compensation if you’re injured due to defective design, poor manufacturing, or a lack of warnings regarding the dangers associated with using the product.
More importantly, consumers do not have to show that the company acted intentionally. Rather, the question of liability is centered on the danger posed by the product once it reaches the consumer.
What consumers should do after a recalled product injury
If you’ve been injured by a dangerous or defective product, your first order of business is to see your doctor or seek medical treatment from the hospital. You’ll want to keep your receipts and save the product. Take pictures of your injuries.
Do not dispose of the faulty product until you consult a lawyer. The product can be used as evidence against the manufacturer during the lawsuit. Finally, you should consult a Florida product liability lawyer to ensure that the companies that contributed liability are held accountable for your injuries.
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 preparing your case right away.
