Two California women have filed a lawsuit against Google over its Fitbit smartwatches claiming that the models not included in a recent recall resulted in burn injuries. According to a Business Insider report, Fitbit, which is owned by Google, recalled its Ionic Smartwatch in March after reports of at least 115 burn injuries from consumers. Fitbit recalled about 1.7 million of these Smartwatches because the lithium-ion battery in the device could overheat and cause these burn injuries.
Fitbit Burn Injuries – Limited Recall
In court filings, Fitbit customers Jenny Houtchens and Samantha Ramirez claimed that Google’s past recall was insufficient because the same defect exists throughout all Fitbit smartwatches. Houtchens claims that the Versa Lite model she owned had burned her daughter’s wrist, while Ramirez said the firm’s Versa 2 smartwatch had burned her wrist. The women’s lawsuit also cited social media posts and photos of people who have claimed they were burned by wearing a Fitbit to prove their case. Both plaintiffs are seeking a refund of the price of their Fitbits and reimbursement of their legal costs. The Ionic was not the first Fitbit smartwatch to come under scrutiny for causing injuries to consumers. In 2014, Fitbit stopped sales and recalled a million Force smartwatches over reports related to skin irritation. Other companies like Apple have also been hit with similar legal action over smartwatches. Last year, Apple caused owners’ screens to crash and expose “razor-sharp edges.Product Liability Issues
If you have suffered injuries due to Fitbit smartwatches or any product, it is important that you seek medical attention right away and contact an experienced California product defect lawyer to help protect your rights. You may be able to receive compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, permanent injuries, and pain and suffering. You may be able to file a lawsuit even if the faulty product that injured you hasn’t been recalled. Many of the products that are defective because of a manufacturing defect or design flaw are not recalled. A knowledgeable product liability lawyer will be able to analyze the product using experts and help determine the value of your product defect claim. Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/google-sued-over-insufficient-fitbit-recall-burn-injuries-2022-5
Scott Ritsema
Scott Ritsema is a California personal injury attorney with over 3 decades of experience representing injured plaintiffs throughout Southern California. A top-rated trial lawyer, Scott is also a partner at the law firm of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP and has helped secure millions in verdicts & settlements. Scott has successfully taken on hundreds of cases and has had much success in and out of California courtrooms.
