Refrigerators with ice makes are incredibly convenient. They save owners from using unwieldy ice trays and can dispense ice cubes whenever. But if a clear plastic part breaks and mixes with the ice, it could be a choking and injury hazard.
Such is the case with Electrolux’s latest recall. The home appliance company is recalling over 380,000 side-by-side Frigidaire refrigerators over concerns that the affected fridges could injure users with sharp plastic.
According to the company, a component of the affected fridges’ ice bucket can break, dropping plastic pieces into the bucket together with the ice. Electrolux has received 343 reports of plastic breaking off, including two incidents that led to laceration and ingestion injuries.
The company has recommended that all owners of the affected fridges stop using the ice makers. Owners can contact Electrolux for a free replacement ice bucket component.
The risks of swallowing sharp objects
The ingestion of sharp plastic pieces can lead to severe internal injuries. These foreign objects can cause cuts or perforations in the throat, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Symptoms of such injuries can include pain, bleeding, and in severe cases, infection or internal bleeding. Immediate medical attention is crucial for anyone who has ingested sharp objects.
Filing a product liability lawsuit
If you’ve been injured by ingesting a broken part of your fridge, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit under Georgia law.
Unlike other types of personal injury cases, product liability is a strict liability offense. You don’t have to prove that the product’s manufacturer was negligent. Instead, you must prove that the product is defective, regardless of the manufacturer’s intent.
You’ll need to preserve evidence of the defect. Keep the product and any broken parts you can recover. Document the injuries you’ve suffered and keep all medical records. These will be important when you plan to file a product liability lawsuit.
A legal professional experienced in personal injury matters can take a look at your evidence and determine if you have a case. A lawyer can also represent you and fight for your right to compensation should your case head to court.