For when you don’t have an ironing board handy or you want to remove wrinkles from clothes gently, a garment steamer is a better appliance than a clothes iron. However, while there are advantages to garment steamers, they still use high heat to get the job done, and that level of heat can be harmful if the appliance malfunctions.
Such a malfunction plagues multiple garment steamers by BLACK+DECKER. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the company behind the brand has issued a recall for about 1.6 million steamers over risks that they could suddenly spray hot water on users, causing burn injuries.
The recall is an expansion of an earlier product recall in November 2022, which saw some units repaired. The latest recall also affects the repaired units, as Empower Brands has changed the recall from a fix to a full refund.
Empower Brands noted that since the recall in 2022, it has continued to receive 317 reports of steamers ejecting hot water on users. Of those reports, 82 led to burn injuries – seven of which were second-degree burns. Some 94 reports were from units repaired as part of the earlier recall.
Burn and scalding injuries
Burn injuries can be excruciating and have long-lasting consequences. According to the American Burn Association, scalds from hot liquids or steam account for approximately one-third of all burn injuries treated in hospitals. These injuries can range from minor to severe, depending on the temperature of the liquid and the duration of exposure.
Severe burns can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and even life-threatening complications. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. The financial burden of such injuries can be substantial, not to mention the emotional toll on the victim and their family.
Seeking compensation for scalding injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to a defective product, such as a garment steamer, you may be entitled to compensation through a product liability lawsuit. Under Georgia law, you could hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers liable for injuries caused by their products if you could prove their defects or lack of proper warnings.
But before you can file anything, you must first determine if you have a case. You’ll need evidence such as the defective steamer, your medical records and expert witness testimony for your lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer may be able to review your case and help keep your claim on track, as there’s a strict time limit for such things.
