Anker Power Banks Recalled Over Fire Hazard
Product Recalls - November 2, 2024
Lithium-Ion Battery Anker Power Banks Recalled Over Fire and Burn Hazard
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (November 2, 2024) – Anker Power Banks have been recalled because they can overheat and pose a fire and burn hazard for users.
The recall was issued on October 17, 2024. Around 2,100 affected units were sold.
According to the recall notice by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been 28 reports of the Anker Power Banks overheating, exploding, and catching fire.
Two people have suffered injuries as a result of the incident. A full investigation into all of the incidents remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Fires Caused By Power Banks
Fires and injuries involving power banks and other products with lithium-ion batteries remain alarmingly common. According to USA Fire Protection, “at least 25,000 fire or overheating incidents in lithium-ion batteries occurred in a five-year period. Furthermore, heat, smoke, toxic gases, and the potential for explosions are all dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires.” There could be a number of defects with power banks that could lead to them becoming dangerous.
- Overcharging Protection Failures: When power banks lack proper overcharging protection, this can lead to overheating, swelling, fire, and explosions.
- Poor Quality Battery Cells: Power banks may have low-cost or counterfeit cells that are more prone to having short circuits or thermal runway.
- Battery Leakage: Some batteries can leak hazardous chemicals that create a risk of corrosion of internal components.
Companies have a legal obligation to create products that are reasonably safe. They must adhere to all safety regulations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If a company makes a product with design defects, this could form the basis of a product liability claim. A company could also be liable for failing to warn customers about the non-obvious dangers associated with the use of their products. Victims of battery fires tend to suffer very serious injuries.
- Organ damage
- Smoke inhalation
- First degree burns
- Death
Battery fires are often highly preventable. They tend to be the result of companies that are engaging in cost-cutting activities that can jeopardize safety. This may include using cheaper quality components or outsourcing to countries with less stringent safety standards. It is important for victims of lithium-ion battery fires to understand that they do have rights. They are able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Getting Legal For Fires Caused By Power Banks
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people harmed by Anker Power Bank. It is our hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a fire caused by an Anker Power Bank? Our legal team is here to help you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
