Solar-powered umbrellas that were sold exclusively at Costco have been recalled in the United States and Canada after some umbrellas caught fire and individuals suffered smoke inhalation injuries. According to a CNN news report, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an alert urging consumers to immediately stop using the SunVilla 10-foot Solar LED Market Umbrella.
Details of the Recall
The umbrellas were manufactured by California-based SunVilla Corporation. They feature LED lights on the inside arms and a solar panel with a black cover at the top of the umbrella. The lithium-ion batteries in the umbrella’s solar panels can potentially overheat, posing fire and burn hazards, the CPSC said. The umbrellas were sold at Costco warehouses and online for between \$130 and \$160 from December 2020 through May 2022. In the United States, there were three reports of solar panels catching fire while charging via the AC adaptor indoors and two reports of umbrellas catching fire when the solar panel puck overheated and caught fire while attached to the umbrella. One person reported a smoke inhalation injury. Around 400,000 of these umbrellas were sold in the U.S. and around 33,000 in Canada, according to CPSC. The recall was jointly issued by the CPSC, Health Canada, SunVilla and Costco. Customers are asked to stop using the umbrellas and remove the solar panel puck, the piece that contains the lithium-ion battery. Consumers are also urged to store it out of the sun and away from combustible material and to not charge the puck with its AC adapter. Consumers may return the umbrellas at any Costco warehouse for a full refund.Product Liability Issues
Manufacturers of all products have a duty and responsibility to make products that are safe for consumers. If you have been injured by a defective product including a faulty lithium-ion battery, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses including medical bills, lost wages, hospitalization, and permanent injuries such as scarring or disfigurement, pain and suffering and mental anguish. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact experienced California product defect lawyers who will fight for their rights and help them seek and obtain maximum compensation for all their losses. Source: https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/25/business/costco-solar-patio-umbrella-recall-trnd/index.html
Brian Chase
Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $850M for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
