Harbor Freight is recalling 454,000 jack stands because they could drop and potentially cause serious injuries. According to a USA Today news report, the recall notice posted on the retailer’s website stated that some Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton and 6 Ton Heavy Duty Steel Jack Stands are defective which could cause the pawl to disengage from the extension lifting post allowing the stand to drop suddenly.
Details of the Recall
Harbor Freight says this could happen when the jack stand is under load and when a shift in weight occurs. This sudden drop could cause serious injuries for people near or under a lifted vehicle and/or damage to property, the recall notice states. The recall is only for stands with item numbers 61196, 61197 and 56371. The item numbers for the 6-ton stands are on the yellow part of the label on the base of each stand. For the 3-ton stand, the item number is on the label on the top of the stand.
The stands were produced between June 2013 and November 2019. Harbor Freight has said it will give consumers who have these stands a store gift card equal to the retail price at the time the stands were purchased. The recall notice notes consumers should bring in affected stands to stores after shelter-at-home orders are lifted. Anyone with questions about this recall is asked to email [email protected].
Product Liability Issues
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 people are seriously injured each year while using a car jack or a similar type of hoist. A study by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis showed that about 40% of car jack failures occurred when the vehicle was being partially lifted for tire changes. About 18% of these failures were linked to pressure loss in the jack, which means it could not support the vehicle. Some of the common injuries reported in these types of car jack failures include amputations, fractures and internal organ damage.
Manufacturers have a duty to make products that keep us safe. When we purchase or use such devices, we fully expect them to function as intended. When these types of products fail and cause a serious injury or fatality, the manufacturer of the faulty device can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. An experienced product defect lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/05/20/harbor-freight-jack-stands-recall-2020/5227291002/
