Hoverboard Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

Hoverboard Lawsuit Overview

Hoverboard lawsuits have been filed nationwide against manufacturers over defective lithium-ion batteries that can overheat, catch fire, and explode, causing serious injuries and property damage.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has investigated over 100 hoverboard fires across 39 states and issued multiple recalls affecting over 730,000 devices.

Primary allegations against manufacturers include failure to warn consumers about fire risks, defective battery design, and inadequate quality control.

The CPSC has documented at least one fatal fire incident and numerous reports of burns, falls, and home fires caused by hoverboard malfunctions.

What’s the Problem with Lithium-Ion Batteries?

Hoverboards are powered by lithium-ion batteries similar to those used in smartphone batteries, laptop computers, and electric cars.

These batteries are compact and hold a lot of energy, but also pose a significant fire risk when manufactured cheaply.

A defect inside the cell of a low-quality battery may cause it to short circuit, resulting in an explosion and/or fire.

Related Articles:

• Dell Laptop Defective Battery Litigation
• Onewheel Hoverboard Lawsuit

Latest Hoverboard Lawsuit Updates

• May 19, 2022 – DGL Group LTD. recalled approximately 93,000 Hover-1 Superfly Hoverboards (model H1-SPFY) due to software malfunctions causing continued motor assistance when riders are not actively controlling the device. The CPSC received 29 reports of software issues and 4 minor injury reports [1].
• August 25, 2021 – Razor USA LLC recalled more than 230,000 Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboards with GLW Battery Packs after receiving over 20 reports of battery pack overheating, including incidents involving smoke and fire [2].
• 2020 – CPSC warned consumers not to use or charge New High-Tech X1-5 hoverboards due to fire hazards after at least one report of overheating and smoking. The manufacturer refused to issue a voluntary recall [3].
• July 26, 2017 – iRover recalled 2 hoverboard models over concerns that lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, and explode. Affected devices were sold at major retailers nationwide [4].
• May 2, 2017 – CPSC issued an urgent warning against LayZ Board hoverboards after a fatal house fire killed 2 children in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This marked the first fatal fire directly linked to an exploding hoverboard [5].
• July 2016 – CPSC announced a nationwide recall of approximately 501,000 hoverboards from 10 different manufacturers due to overheating risks that could cause smoking, fires, and explosions [6].

CPSC Reports and Statistics

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented extensive safety issues with hoverboards:

• Over 730,000 hoverboards recalled across multiple manufacturers since 2016.
• More than 100 fire incidents investigated across 39 U.S. states.
• 29 software malfunction reports for Hover-1 Superfly models alone.
• Over 20 overheating incidents reported for Razor Hovertrax 2.0 models.
• At least 1 fatal fire directly attributed to hoverboard explosion.
• Multiple injury reports including burns, falls, fractures, and head injuries.

Many of these fires occurred indoors and could have resulted in serious injuries if not for the quick actions of consumers to extinguish the fire. This is a priority investigation and CPSC is devoting the staff time and resources necessary to find the root causes of the fires.-The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Hoverboard Injuries & Side Effects

Hoverboard incidents have resulted in a wide range of serious injuries and property damage, from minor burns to fatal house fires.

• Fire and Explosion Injuries: Burns, smoke inhalation, and property damage from overheating lithium-ion batteries.
• Fall-Related Injuries: Fractures, contusions, head and brain injuries from software malfunctions and sudden stops.
• Property Damage: Home fires, furniture damage, and complete property loss from hoverboard explosions.
• Fatal Injuries: Death from smoke inhalation and burns in house fires caused by exploding hoverboards.

“Fall injuries can be serious and life-altering. Many people, including children, have ended up with fractures, contusions or head/brain injuries. Hospitals across the country are reporting spikes in children and adults being admitted after suffering serious falls.” – CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye

Do You Qualify for a Hoverboard Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a hoverboard lawsuit if:

• You purchased or used a hoverboard between 2015 and 2022
• You experienced serious injuries including burns, fractures, head injuries, or smoke inhalation
• Your hoverboard caught fire, exploded, or malfunctioned causing property damage
• The injuries or damage required medical treatment, hospitalization, or repair costs
• You can provide documentation linking your injuries or damage to the hoverboard

Evidence Required for a Hoverboard Lawsuit

To build a strong hoverboard lawsuit, you will need:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
• Photos of the damaged hoverboard and any property damage
• Purchase receipts showing where and when you bought the hoverboard
• Fire department reports if applicable
• Expert testimony establishing the defect and causation

Damages You Can Recover

Successful hoverboard lawsuits may result in compensation for:

• Medical expenses for injury treatment and ongoing care
• Lost wages due to inability to work during recovery
• Pain and suffering from injuries and trauma
• Property damage including home repairs and personal belongings
• Punitive damages against manufacturers for known defects

Hoverboard Recall Information

May 19, 2022 – DGL Group Hover-1 Superfly Recall:

• Models: H1-SPFY (Model Year 2020)
• Units: 93,000 hoverboards
• Sold: Best Buy stores and Bestbuy.com (October 2020 – October 2021)
• Price: Approximately $200

August 25, 2021 – Razor USA Hovertrax 2.0 Recall:

• Models: Hovertrax 2.0 with GLW Battery Packs
• Units: Over 230,000 hoverboards
• Manufactured: September 2016 – August 2017

July 2016 – Multi-Manufacturer Recall:

• Units: Approximately 501,000 hoverboards
• Brands: Swagway X1, Razor Hovertrax, Airwalk, Imoto, Hype Roam, and others

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled products and contact the recalling company to return their hoverboard for a full refund, a free repair, or a free replacement depending on the model – CPSC said.

Other Notable Cases

Several incidents involving hoverboards have raised serious safety concerns, leading to recalls and warnings for consumers.

Mother Warns Parents After Son’s Hoverboard Catches Fire While Charging

According to WalesOnline, a mother from Abergavenny, Wales, is pleading with parents to be extra cautious when purchasing hoverboards for their children, after her son’s went up in flames while charging next to his bed [7].

Steph Edwards bought her 10-year-old son Josh a self-balancing electronic scooter for Christmas last year on a website she thought was reputable for around £200.

However, while Josh was charging the scooter fully for the first time on Monday, the hoverboard caught fire and flames spread to his bed and flooring, Steph said.

She says that if her 12-year-old daughter Tirion hadn’t heard the hoverboard “making popping noises” from her bedroom, the fire could have destroyed their home.

Milwaukee Family Claims Hoverboard Fire Destroyed Home on Christmas

A toy hoverboard appears to be the cause of a Christmas night fire in New Haven, Connecticut, that displaced 4 people and sent 1 to the hospital.

According to the New Haven Register, Battalion Chief Ben Vargas told the New Haven Register that the hoverboard fire was limited to one room of the second-floor unit in the Farnham Court apartments and was quickly extinguished [8].

All 4 apartment occupants were adults; 1 was hospitalized after complaining of difficulty breathing, possibly from smoke inhalation.

The source of the fire remains under investigation but it appears the hoverboard was to blame, according to Vargas.

In most cases, hoverboards catch on fire because they come equipped with a defective battery. There is a huge difference in the quality and price of the various hoverboards on the market.

Until Amazon decided to ban several types of hoverboards over safety concerns, models ranged from $300 to $700 each, with the low-end versions being manufactured without much quality control.

iRover Recalls Hoverboards Over Fire / Explosion Risk

On July 26, 2017, iRover is recalling 2 models of hoverboards over concerns that their lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, and explode.

Affected devices were sold at Fallas Discount Stores in Los Angeles, California, as well as at TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores nationwide from December 2015 through April 2017 for between $300 and $400.

Orbit Hoverboards Recalled Over Fire Risks

On December 14, 2016, World Trading issued a recall for about 1,900 Orbit hoverboards / self-balancing scooters over concerns that the lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing a risk of smoking, catching fire, and/or exploding.

The hoverboards were sold on Evine’s televised shopping programs and online for about $300.

Statute of Limitations for Hoverboard Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a hoverboard lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 2-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of the defect.

Given the time-sensitive nature of these claims, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

Related Articles:

• Smartphone Battery Lawsuits
• Electric Car Fire Lawsuits

FAQs

1. Can I file a lawsuit if my hoverboard malfunctioned but no injury occurred?

Yes, you may still be able to file a lawsuit for property damage or financial losses caused by a defective hoverboard, even if no one was injured. Compensation may cover repair or replacement costs and other expenses related to the malfunction.

2. What should retailers do if they sold recalled hoverboards?

Retailers should remove recalled hoverboards from their shelves, notify customers of the recall, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing returns or refunds. Retailers may also be liable for selling unsafe products if they fail to comply with recall procedures.

3. How do I find a lawyer for a hoverboard lawsuit?

To find a lawyer experienced in product liability and personal injury cases, look for attorneys who specialize in defective product lawsuits. Many law firms offer free consultations to assess your case and explore your legal options.

4. What types of hoverboard defects are covered in lawsuits?

Common defects include overheating lithium-ion batteries, software malfunctions causing unexpected acceleration or stopping, inadequate fire protection, and poor quality control in manufacturing.

5. How long do hoverboard lawsuits typically take to resolve?

Hoverboard lawsuits can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case, the manufacturer’s cooperation, and whether the case goes to trial or settles out of court.

6. Are there class action lawsuits for hoverboard injuries?

While some hoverboard cases may be consolidated, many are handled as individual lawsuits due to the unique circumstances of each incident and the varying types of injuries and damages involved.

Get a Free Hoverboard Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for hoverboard-related injuries and property damage. Most states have statutes of limitations ranging from 2-6 years from the date of injury, making it crucial to act quickly to preserve your rights.

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case and secure compensation
• Nationwide representation in all 50 states

Free Hoverboard Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one is injured, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a suit and we can help.

References:

1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/DGL-Group-Recalls-Hover-1-Superfly-Hoverboards-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards
2. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Razor-USA-Recalls-GLW-Battery-Packs-Sold-with-Hovertrax-2-0-Self-Balancing-Hoverboards-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
3. https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2020/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-Not-to-Charge-or-Use-New-High-Tech-X1-5-Hoverboards-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
4. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/iRover-Recalls-Self-Balancing-Scooters-Hoverboards
5. https://6abc.com/harrisburg-pennsylvania-hoverboard-girl-killed/1796462/
6. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/Self-Balancing-Scooters-Hoverboards-Recalled-by-10-Firms
7. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mum-warns-parents-after-hoverboard-16503593
8. https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/Franklin-Street-fire-believed-to-have-been-11318141.php