Harbor Freight Tools is recalling about 1.1 million Gordon Folding Knives because they pose a safety risk. According to a USA Today news report, the knives’ locking mechanism could fail to engage on extension of the blade and this could pose a laceration hazard. The recall comes after seven reports of pocketknives failing to lock, which resulted in six reports of laceration injuries, including four that required medical attention.
Details of the Recall
The knives were sold between July 2008 and July 2019 at the Calabasas, California-based home improvement chain, for about $5. The chain has more than 1,000 stores around the country. The knife is made of stainless steel and has a black metal on the handle. It also has five cutouts on each side of the handle.
The knife measures about 3 inches and has a silver-colored metal belt clip attached to the back of the handle. “China” is printed on one side and “Stainless Steel” is printed on the other side of the knife blades. Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled knives immediately and return them to a store for a full refund in the form of a $5 store gift card plus sales tax. For more information about this recall, please call Harbor Freight at 1-800-444-3353.
Knife Injuries and Product Liability
Knives cause more disabling injuries than any other type of hand tool. According to a study commissioned by the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 8,250,914 knife-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency departments from 1990 to 2008 averaging 434,259 injuries annually or 1,190 per day. Lacerations are the most common injuries caused by knives. Some knife injuries may even result in finger amputations or sometimes, life-threatening situations.
If you have been injured by a knife as a result of a product that has been defectively designed or manufactured or as a result of the manufacturer’s failure to warn, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced product liability lawyer will be able to help injured victims and their families seek maximum compensation for their losses.
