The maker of the high-speed NutriBullet blender is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that the manufacturer failed to warn consumers about the blenders’ propensity to explode. According to a CBS news report, the 64-page court filing dated July 2 accuses Capital Brands of violating federal and state consumer protection and warranty laws. The plaintiff, Deveta White of South Carolina, is seeking damages and an order to prevent the company from continuing to sell these dangerous and defective products. She also wants Capital Brands to warn existing NutriBullet owners about the potential dangers posed by these products.
Severe Burn Injuries Reported
Johanna Suarez, a resident of North Carolina, filed a similar product liability lawsuit in December 2017; it is currently pending in federal court. There are also several lawsuits pending in California courts related to alleged NutriBullet defects. White is seeking class-action status and is currently the only one of its type pending against the company. According to White’s lawsuit, the blender’s canister can accumulate pressure to a point where it separates from other parts, throwing out its contents onto everyone around.
The explosions happen without warning, even when someone is making a cold smoothie, because heat from the blender’s fast-moving blades can make the ingredients scalding hot. The lawsuit claims consumers are at risk even if the blender doesn’t explode. The pressure buildup can send the blade assembly flying after the lid is removed following normal use. The company has yet to issue a product recall despite similar consumer complaints worldwide. White says she suffered second-degree burns on her chest and first-degree burns on her arms, forcing her to miss work and rack up nearly $6,000 in medical expenses.
Company Defends Its Products
The company is contesting all claims that the NutriBullet is dangerous when used properly and has continued to blame consumers for the explosions. Consumers have complained about these explosions to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and to the company via Facebook. While the CPSC had not initiated a formal investigation at the time of the July 2018 CBS News report, the agency subsequently launched an investigation into NutriBullet blenders; it later concluded that the problem did not necessitate further action by the commission, although it instructed NutriBullet to continue reporting complaints and injuries. In 2014, Consumer Reports urged its readers not to buy one particular model, the Pro 900, after noticing that the blades cracked during a durability test. Consumer Reports lifted the warning after the company made the blender’s blades thicker.
Legal Rights and Options for Injured Consumers
If you or a loved one has been injured by one of these products, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and losses by filing a product liability lawsuit or a class action lawsuit. A product liability attorney can help evaluate your case and determine whether you have grounds to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to defective product injuries. Contact an experienced California product defect law firm for more information about your legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nutribullet-blenders-can-explode-new-lawsuit-claims/