Target is recalling about 90,000 USB charging cables that pose the risk of shock and fire hazards. According to a USA Today news report, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to stop using the 3-foot long, $15 USB-Lightning cables immediately saying the metal around the cord can become electrically charged if it contacts the USB wall charger plug prongs while charging. So far, Target has received 14 reports of the cables smoking, sparking or igniting, including two reports of consumer burn injuries where people burned their fingers.
If you have these products at home, you can return it at a Target store for a full refund. The recalled cables were sold nationwide and online, and were used to charge iPhones and other electronics that use the Lightning connector, come in iridescent purple, green and blue and have the word “heyday” printed on the cable’s connector. The cables were manufactured in China and were sold by Target from June 2018 through January 2019.
Defective Products and Burn Injuries
There are a number of products including electrical goods, electronics and household appliances that could result in serious burn injuries. Burns may be classified as first, second, or third degree. First-degree burns are generally milder and result in pain and reddening of the outer layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis. Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and the dermis, which is the lower layer of skin. These types of burns may cause pain, redness and blistering or even swelling. Third-degree burns are severe and affect tissues and even internal organs. They result in white or blackened, charred skin that may be numb.
Product Liability Issues
Product defects may occur because a product has been defectively designed or because there was mistake or oversight when the product was manufactured. In other words, it may not have been made to specifications or the manufacturer may have cut corners and used substandard parts to save costs. Product manufacturers have a duty to make items that are safe for consumers to use. When their negligence causes injuries and damages to consumers, product manufacturers can be held liable for the losses they cause.
Injured victims may be able to seek compensation for their damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of surgery, rehabilitation and pain and suffering. An experienced product defect lawyer will help guide you through what can be a challenging legal process and assist you with securing maximum compensation for your losses.
