Kobalt Lithium-Ion Battery Recall: When Defective Power Tool Batteries Lead To Consumer Lawsuits

While lithium-ion batteries have increased the power and convenience of cordless lawn equipment, faulty batteries can become dangerous and create a high risk of fire. This is illustrated by the recent recall of Kobalt yard equipment, which may pose a fire hazard due to battery failure.

Greenworks Tools has recalled around 554,780 Kobalt yard power tools that use the USB-C lithium-ion battery. This includes lawn mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and pruning saws. Lowe’s sold these products in its stores and on its website across the country.

Why were the Kobalt batteries recalled? 

The issue was caused by charging certain lithium-ion batteries through their USB-C ports while the batteries were still inside the yard tools. In these situations, the batteries could short-circuit and cause a fire.

Consumers reported 34 cases of batteries smoking, sparking, and catching fire. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage have been reported.

Greenworks recommends that consumers stop charging the batteries via their USB-C ports if they were still inside the tools and offered them replacements. Consumers would receive new batteries without USB-C ports, charger adapters, manuals with warnings, and shipping materials.

A class-action lawsuit followed the recall 

In addition to the recall, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Greenworks over the defective batteries in the Northern District of California.

The plaintiffs claim that the batteries can short-circuit while charging. One of the allegations concerns the fact that consumers would not have purchased the product had they known about the problem in advance. The plaintiffs further claim that the remedy provided through the recall is insufficient. The fact that replacement batteries were offered does not compensate consumers for the money they paid for the product.

At this moment, all of the claims mentioned above are yet to be proved. Filing a lawsuit does not necessarily prove any liabilities of the defendants.

Recalls and product liability claims 

Product recalls do not automatically prevent consumers from filing product liability lawsuits. For instance, an injured consumer might be able to pursue damages if they are injured or the battery fire destroys their property. Possible damages include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property loss, and more.

In addition, more than one party may be liable in some cases involving batteries that cause fires. This depends on how the product was made and marketed.

What should consumers do after a lithium-ion battery fire? 

Those who own a recalled Kobalt product must follow CPSC guidelines and avoid using the USB-C port to charge the battery while it’s still inside the tool.

If the battery has caused a fire or injury, it is especially important to gather all relevant evidence. This can include the battery itself, the charger, the tool, and the packaging, receipts, photographs, and other documentation that will help identify the cause of the problem.

With the increased use of lithium-ion batteries in consumer and outdoor items, the Kobalt battery recall is but one example that highlights the seriousness of this issue.

Talk to a Lithium-Ion Battery Injury Attorney Today 

Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represents the interests of those who have sustained injury or property damage due to a defective lithium-ion battery. Call our Florida personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your case right away.

Source:

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