Hoverboard to Blame in Death of Three-Year-Old in Pennsylvania

Self-balancing scooters, known as hoverboards, are the type of toy we adults dreamed of growing up. However, these devices have been responsible for a number of injuries and property damage in recent years and, most recently, the tragic death of a three-year-old girl in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that over 52 fires have been caused by hoverboards, resulting from malfunctions of the lithium-ion batteries that power the toys.

In the case of the Pennsylvania fire that killed a toddler, the device began making crackling noises as it was charging. Shortly thereafter, it burst into flames and burned the entire house down, resulting in the death of the young girl and injuries to three other family members.

Victims of hoverboard injuries are entitled to compensation

This tragic incident is the result of a multifaceted product liability case. The parents may have the right to sue for the wrongful death of their daughter. Although no amount of money could ever come close to compensating the loss of a child, damages for wrongful death typically include medical costs, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.

The other injured family members may also sue for the cost of their past, present and future medical bills, lost wages resulting from being unable to work, pain and suffering, and emotional distress (which includes symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder). Medical expenses resulting from burn injuries in particular can be long-term and costly. Retaining the legal support of an experienced Atlanta or Savannah product liability attorney is essential to obtain just compensation for these injuries.

Multiple parties may be liable for injuries resulting from hoverboards

Because the fire originated from a battery-related malfunction, the following parties may be liable:

• Battery manufacturer. The maker of the defective lithium-ion battery itself is liable for injuries resulting from the battery’s malfunction.
• Hoverboard manufacturer. Faulty lithium-ion batteries in hoverboards are not new news. If the hoverboard manufacturer knowingly used a defective battery in their product, it is also responsible for the resulting injuries.
• Hoverboard retailer. In some cases, the retailer that sold the defective product can be held accountable for injuries sustained in a hoverboard malfunction. Because there have been so many issues with these toys, major retailers like Amazon and Target have stopped carrying them to avoid such liability.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, other parties may be to blame for injuries and deaths resulting from a defective product.

If you or a loved one has been injured because of a malfunctioning product or device, the competent Georgia product liability attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP are standing by to guide you through the claims process. Call us today at 404-961-7650 for our Atlanta office or 912-651-9967 for our Savannah office. We can also be reached through our contact form.