The retail giants Sears and Kmart have issued a recall of roughly 42,500 Kenmore oscillating fan heaters due to a defect that can cause the heaters to overheat and create a fire hazard and risk of burn injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there have already been seven reports of the fan heaters smoking or catching fire and two reports of injuries related to smoke inhalation and contact with the overheated device.
The heaters affected by this recall are gray and white with the model number 127.90914310 printed on the bottom of the device. The word “Kenmore” is printed on front bottom of the heaters.
The affected fan heaters were sold between September 2013 to November 2013 at Sears and Kmart stores throughout the U.S.
Consumers are advised to immediately return the recalled fan heaters to any Sears or Kmart store for a full refund.
Product manufacturers and distributors are under strict liability in the event that a consumer is injured or becomes ill due to a product defect. In the event that a person suffers a burn from using a defective item, the consequences can be very serious. Burn injuries or even smoke inhalation can cause permanent damage to an individual’s tissue and/or organs that may not be able to properly heal, depending on the severity and location of the burn.
If you or a family member has sustained a burn injury due to a product that you believe is defective, please do not hesitate to seek medical attention to prevent further damage. It may also be in your best interests to consider taking legal action against the at-fault product manufacturer. You may be entitled to significant compensation to help with medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact the Waco product liability lawyers at Brown Trial Firm, PLLC to discuss your legal options during a free and confidential consultation. We may be reached online or by calling (254) 269-6700.