More than 350,000 backup portable power generators sold across the United States and Canada are being recalled after reports of eight injuries, including seven finger amputations and one report of a person’s finger being crushed. According to a CBS News report, the Generac generators’ unlocked handle could pinch a user’s fingers against the equipment frame while moving the product. This fault has already resulted in several serious injuries and poses an amputation or crushing hazard to the fingers.
Details of the Recall
The Wisconsin-based company has received eight reports on these Generac 6,500-watt and 8,000-watt Generac portable generators. The recalled Generac Power Systems products were sold online and at major home improvement and hardware stores between June 2013 and June 2021 for between $790 and $1,480 each. They were sold nationwide in stores, including Ace Hardware, Amazon, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Power Equipment Direct.
Manufactured in the U.S. and China, these generators have gas-powered engines to generate electricity for backup power. The generators have two wheels and a single, U-shaped, flip-up, pin-lock handle to help move them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the manufacturer are urging consumers to stop using the recalled generators unless a locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle before and after moving the unit. For a free repair kit or for more information, call Generac at 844-242-3493.
Product Liability Issues
Injuries to the fingers could occur at any time, but they often occur because of malfunctioning or defective products. An injury to the finger could involve a sharp cut, a crushing injury, a tearing injury, or a combination of those. An amputation could damage any part of the finger, including the skin and soft tissue, the fingertip bone, or the nail and underlying nail bed. The tips of the longer fingers tend to be injured more often because they are the last to escape from harm’s way.
Product manufacturers are required under the law to make items designed in a manner that is safe for consumers. If these or other products have injured you, you may be able to seek compensation from the product manufacturer for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disfigurement, and pain and suffering. An experienced product defect attorney will be able to help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/generac-home-generators-recall-finger-amputations/
