The Subrogation Strategist

In subrogation cases where the insured’s damages were caused by a defective product, the fact that the product at issue is or was subject to a recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may help to establish that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession and control. On February 8, 2024, the CPSC announced the following recalls related to products that present fire hazards:

1. GPU Angled Adapters Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Manufactured by CableMod. According to the CPSC’s website, “[t]he adapters’ male connector can become loose, overheat, and melt into the GPU, posing fire and burn hazards.”
2. VPR Brands Recalls Lighters Due to Missing Child Safety Feature, Posing Burn and Fire Hazards; Violation of the Federal Regulation for Cigarette Lighters. According to the CPSC’s website, “[t]he lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms and were not tested to the federal regulatory requirements for child resistance. Young children under 5 years old could ignite the lighters, posing fire and burn hazards.”
3. Husqvarna Recalls Grass Trimmers Due to Fire Hazard. According to the CPSC’s website, “[i]ncorrect wiring in the ignition module on the recalled grass trimmers can cause an electrical spark or arcing, posing a fire hazard if gas is on or near the unit.”