Recall of GE Refrigerators Sold at Major Chains After 37 Injuries Reported

A recall has been issued for GE refrigerators that pose a serious injury risk. GE Appliances has issued the recall for six models of free-standing French door refrigerators sold nationwide because of handles that could potentially detach, posing a fall risk to those trying to pull the freezer doors open. According to a CBS news report, GE has received 71 reports of freezer drawer handles detaching resulting in 37 injuries, including three serious falls.

Details of the Recalled GE Refrigerators

About 155,000 of the GE refrigerators with bottom freezers in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel were sold from February 2020 through January 2022. The GE refrigerators were sold at U.S. home improvement and retail appliance stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy for between $1,900 and $2,500. The recalled refrigerators were made in Mexico from February 2020 through August 2021. The brand name, model, and serial number can be found on the top inside left of the refrigerator. If you purchased one of these recalled GE refrigerators, you can contact the company for a free in-home service call to replace the freezer’s handle mounting fasteners. For more information, call 1-888-345-4671. Consumers may continue to use the refrigerators by gripping the edge of the freezer door to open the drawer instead of pulling on a loose handle, the company stated in a separate notice.

Product Liability Issues

Products may be deemed defective because of a manufacturing defect, a design defect, or because the manufacturer failed to warn of a dangerous defect. When a consumer or user of a product is injured due to these types of failings on the part of a manufacturer, they may be able to file a product liability lawsuit seeking compensation for the injuries, damages, and losses sustained. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. To be successful with such a claim, plaintiffs must prove that the product was defective, that they suffered injuries because of the product defect, and that it caused them to incur monetary damages. In product defect cases, several parties may be held liable, including the product manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, etc. An experienced product defect lawyer will be able to help victims, and their families better understand their legal rights and options.   Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ge-recall-refrigerators-home-depot-lowes-best-buy-injuries-handles/