For the last few years, there have been several stories emerging about the dangers of battery-powered “hoverboards,” popular toys that children ride on like a budget Segway. Due to problems charging, the hoverboards have been known to catch fire, causing property damage and injury. Until recently, hoverboards were not responsible for any known fatal fires. This is no longer true.
In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a fire started at a home that would end in tragedy. A charging hoverboard erupted in flames which quickly spread throughout the home. In the end, a father and a teenage boy were treated for smoke inhalation, two girls suffered injuries that put them in critical condition, and a three-year-old girl died.
HOVERBOARD RECALLS AND LIABILITY IN DEFECTIVE PRODUCT CASES
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 10 different brands of hoverboards last year after nearly 100 reports of burns and damage caused by these fires. More than 500,000 of the dangerous toys were recalled, significantly reducing the rate at which these fires were reported.
When a defective product results in injury or death, the victim or their family may be eligible to seek damages from the party that created the product. These damages can include things like pain and suffering, lost wages and medical costs.
If you own a hoverboard, be sure to use it safely. Never let it charge overnight. Never let it charge without supervision. And always have a fire extinguisher ready, just in case.
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”