Table of contents
- Latest Black and Decker Steamer Lawsuit Updates
- April 4, 2024: CPSC Announces Recall Expansion
- November 3, 2022: Empower Brands Recalls Steamers
- Who May Be Affected?
- Reported Injuries or Damages
- Recall and Regulatory Background
- Evidence to Preserve
- Filing Deadlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Many Black and Decker Steamers Were Recalled in Total?
- What Does the Research Say About Black and Decker Steamer Burns?
- Is There a Black and Decker Steamer Lawsuit?
- Is There a Black and Decker Steamer Recall?
BLACK+DECKER Easy Garment Steamers have been recalled twice because they can expel, spray or leak hot water during use. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received reports of burn injuries, including on steamers repaired after the first recall.
No class action, MDL or other lawsuit has been filed over the steamers. In November 2022, Empower Brands recalled about 518,500 units.
It expanded the recall on April 4, 2024, to about 1.6 million more units. If you own one, stop using it and ask Empower Brands for a refund.
Latest Black and Decker Steamer Lawsuit Updates
April 4, 2024: CPSC Announces Recall Expansion
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recall 24-181. Empower Brands recalled about 1.6 million more HGS011 steamers, including units repaired after the November 2022 recall, and offered a full refund [1].
November 3, 2022: Empower Brands Recalls Steamers
Empower Brands recalled about 518,500 BLACK+DECKER Model HGS011 Easy Garment Steamers in CPSC recall 23-034 and offered a free replacement upper assembly after 241 reports of hot water expelling [2].
Who May Be Affected?
People who own or used a BLACK+DECKER Easy Garment Steamer may be affected. The models are HGS011, HGS011F, HGS011S and HGS011T, bought between June 2021 and February 2024.
ABC News quoted Black+Decker saying the model appears on the rating plate on the bottom of the steamer base. Units that got a replacement upper housing in the November 2022 recall are also included [3].
The recall applies regardless of date code or point of purchase. The harm tied to these steamers is burns from hot water that escapes during use. Whether you have a legal claim depends on an individual legal review.
Reported Injuries or Damages
The CPSC has received reports that the steamers expelled, sprayed or leaked hot water during use and caused burns. The November 2022 recall notice cited 32 reports of burn injuries, including two second-degree burns.
Since that recall, the April 2024 notice says Empower Brands received 317 reports, and 82 involved burn injuries, 7 of them second-degree burns. Such reports record what consumers told the company and cannot prove cause.
Of the 317 reports, 94 involved units repaired in the 2022 recall or the updated design, including 19 burn injuries, according to the CPSC.
Recall and Regulatory Background
A recall does not prove liability. The hazard is hot water that is expelled, sprayed or leaked, and the remedy is a full refund from Empower Brands.
The UPCs are 0 50875 82840 7 for HGS011F, 0 50875 82839 1 for HGS011S, 0 50875 82838 4 for HGS011 and 0 50875 00272 2 for HGS011T.
Empower Brands takes refund requests at 800-990-5298, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. You can also email hgsrecall@brandprotectplus.com or visit recall.prodprotect.com/hgs011.
Evidence to Preserve
Keep these items if you were burned by a recalled steamer:
- The steamer itself, kept as it is, with the model number from the rating plate on the base.
- The packaging and the UPC code printed on the box or the label.
- Your receipt or order record showing where and when you bought the steamer.
- Photographs of the steamer and of the burn injury as it heals over time.
- Medical records and bills for any treatment of the burn, including follow-up visits.
- Emails, call notes and refund or replacement letters from Empower Brands.
- Names and contact details of any person who saw the burn happen or helped you.
Filing Deadlines
Filing deadlines come from state law, so the time limit that applies to you depends on where you live and when the injury happened.
A missed deadline can end a claim, even if your facts are strong. Talk to a lawyer promptly about your deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Black and Decker Steamers Were Recalled in Total?
Across both recalls, roughly two million Black and Decker steamers were recalled, according to the CPSC, which counts about 518,500 in November 2022 and about 1.6 million added in April 2024.
What Does the Research Say About Black and Decker Steamer Burns?
The research on Black and Decker steamer burns comes from CPSC incident reports gathered at the time of each recall. Those reports record burn injuries and hot water leaks, but no court has reviewed them or made findings.
Is There a Black and Decker Steamer Lawsuit?
A Black and Decker steamer lawsuit has not reached a court. What exists is two Empower Brands recalls, and the company handles refund requests directly instead of through a court.
Is There a Black and Decker Steamer Recall?
Yes, there is a Black and Decker steamer recall. Empower Brands recalled the BLACK+DECKER Easy Garment Steamers, which retailed for $14 to $23 at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Walmart and other stores, according to the CPSC.