When working properly, lawnmowers are dangerous devices due to their immense weight and sharp blades. A defective lawnmower can be downright deadly. Defects may occur because of a problem with the design, a mistake made during manufacturing, or an adverse condition that affects how the device works, such as improper storage or extreme temperatures.
Lawnmower defects that have been known to cause accidents include:
- Defective blades
- Defective fuel system
- Flimsy components that break easily
- Improper or insufficient instructions
- Improper or insufficient warning labels
- Rollovers (riding lawnmowers that overturn easily)
Recalls of Dangerous Lawnmowers
In 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission provided notice that the Black+Decker cordless electric lawnmowers were subject to a recall. Reports indicated that the mowers would start unexpectedly even after removal of the safety key. There had been 34 incidents of unexpected start-ups and two of those incidents included injuries to the consumer. Over 160,000 lawnmowers had been recalled as a result of this defect.
California law covering product liability holds that both the manufacturer and the sellers of defective products are strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products. A product is deemed defective if it fails to meet ordinary consumer expectations as to safety. To see a comprehensive list of lawnmower recalls nationwide, visit the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) recalls page.
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