Peloton Treadmill Accident Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

Update: Peloton Treadmills Recalled

Following dozens of reports of severe injuries sustained, including the death of a 6-year old, Peloton has finally issued a voluntary recall for all of its Tread+ Treadmills [1] and Tread Treadmills [2].

“A 6-year-old child recently died after being pulled under the rear of the treadmill,” CPSC said. “In addition, Peloton has received 72 reports of adult users, children, pets and/or objects being pulled under the rear of the treadmill, including 29 reports of injuries reported to children such as second- and third-degree abrasions, broken bones, and lacerations.”

The Peloton Tread+ Treadmill recall affects model number TR01, which has a running deck space of 67 inches, a 32-inch high definition (HD) touchscreen, and a slatted belt. The model number is printed on a black sticker located on the end cap in the front of the treadmill deck.

The Peloton Tread Treadmill recall affects model number TR02, which has a full exercise design safe space of 59 inches, a 23.8-inch high definition (HD) touchscreen console, and a non-slatted running belt. CPSC is aware of at least 18 reports of the touchscreen loosening and 6 reports of the touchscreen detaching and falling. “There have been reports of dangerous injuries such as abrasions, minor cuts, and bruises in Canada and the United Kingdom,” the warning said.

These recalls began on May 5, 2021.

Peloton Treadmill Accidents Reported by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

The CPSC warning [3] was issued on April 17, 2021, and comes less than 1 month after Peloton released news of the death of a six-year-old child which may have been caused by a Peloton Tread+ treadmill and the agency’s announcement of an investigation into the death.

“To date, CPSC is aware of 39 new incidents such as third degree burns, including the death of one six year old child,” CPSC said.

CPSC staff believes the Peloton Tread+ poses serious risks for dangerous abrasions, fractures, third-degree burns, and a risk that the treadmill may kill children. In light of multiple reports of kids becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the product, CPSC urges consumers with kids at home to stop using the product immediately.

At least 1 incident may have occurred while a parent was running on the Tread+ treadmill, suggesting that the hazard cannot be avoided by locking the treadmill when not in use. Reports of a pet and objects being sucked beneath the treadmill also suggest potential danger if the user loses balance as a result.

According to CNBC [4], Peloton Interactive Inc. stock fell almost 5% in March after Peloton CEO John Foley disclosed that a child had died in an accident involving one of the company’s treadmills.

Tread+ Risks

Regardless of the safety and design tests Peloton completed on the Tread+ before releasing the machinery to consumers, Peloton failed to recognize existing risks to its customers. Additionally, the pandemic presented unique risks for injuries, with more adults working from home, children learning from home, and adults more heavily relying on at-home workouts.

The device has no automatic shut-off or sensor to prevent these kinds of injuries—if a child’s head is stuck underneath the machine, and the rear of the machine is lifted off the ground and into the air, it will continue to run, grinding the child underneath it.

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine reported that most treadmill injuries happened to children under 16. Knowing these statistics, Peloton could and should have analyzed the risk factors to young children that would inevitably be near the Tread+ while adults (whom Peloton designed and tested their product for specifically) exercised.

The CPSC continues to investigate each and every incident report, but if you purchased a Peloton treadmill and no longer want it in your home, you may be entitled to a full refund for the machine’s purchase price.

A recent consumer class action lawsuit filed in New York seeks compensation for consumers who purchased a Peloton Treadmill, specifically, a refund, given the extraordinary danger the machine design poses to children.

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What is the Peloton Tread+?

The Peloton Tread+ is the most expensive piece of exercise equipment that Peloton offers, priced at $4,295 or $111 per month for 39 months, not including the $39 per month membership fee. The equipment is still on sale currently on the Peloton website and boasts that it’s “Your hardest training session. Our softest road.”

The excercise equipment has a built-in shock-absorbing belt and 59 individual slats designed to support the runner operating the treadmill. Notably, it does not have adequate safety measures to prevent dangerous injuries to children and pets.

Though the company got its start well-known for its popular stationary bike, the Tread+ treadmill gained popularity recently, boasting its value to consumers for its at-home workouts and motivational instructors.

The company has seen incredible success during the pandemic, with its valuation growing to more than $40 billion, but these recent incidents should cause potential and prior purchasers to pause and consider the safety concerns associated with the Tread+.

Will The Peloton Tread+ Be Recalled?

The U.S. government agency responsible for issuing warnings and product recalls (CPSC) has only issued a warning in the case of the Peloton Tread+. In other words, the CPSC has not issued a recall of the Peloton treadmill.

According to Engadget [5], “Peloton is embroiled in a rare fight with the US government.” The fitness equipment maker has rejected [6] a Consumer Product Safety Commission warning that urged people to stop using the Tread+ treadmill following 39 reports of children and pets being injured, including death in March.

The company claimed that the CPSC’s notice was “inaccurate and misleading” as it was possible to keep using the Tread+ so long as people followed existing instructions to keep children and pets away from the Tread+ “at all times.”

Peloton has however issued a type of recall on defective bike pedals.

Peloton Treadmill Safety Tips

If you purchased a Peloton treadmill, take the following precautions to avoid injury:

• Stop using the device if there are small children or pets at home. Incidents suggest that children may be seriously injured while the Tread+ is being used by an adult, not just when a child has unsupervised access to the machine.
• If consumers must continue to use the product, our firm urges consumers to use Peloton’s treadmill only in a locked room, to prevent access to children and pets while the treadmill is in use. Keep all objects, including exercise balls and other equipment, away from the treadmill.
• When not in use, unplug the Tread+ and store the safety key away from the device and out of reach of children. Report any incidents to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov or to CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Peloton’s Tread+ treadmills are sold online and directly to consumers via retail showrooms. Model No. TR-01 was called “Tread” from August 2018 to September 2020, when it was renamed Peloton’s “Tread+”.

FAQs

How do I determine if my Peloton treadmill is affected by the defect?

Check for any recall notices or safety alerts issued by Peloton, and compare your treadmill’s model and serial number with those listed in the notices.

What should I do if I have a defective Peloton treadmill?

Stop using the treadmill immediately and follow the recall instructions, which typically involve contacting Peloton for a replacement or repair.

What injuries can result from defective treadmills?

Injuries can include fractures, sprains, abrasions, and other serious harm resulting from falls or sudden treadmill malfunctions.

Is there compensation available for those affected by defective Peloton treadmills?

You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and other damages. Consult with a legal professional to discuss your case.

Do I Have a Peloton Treadmill Lawsuit? Contact Our Lawyers Today.

The Products Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in product liability lawsuits and who are currently investigating class action lawsuits. Our firm is pursuing individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new treadmill accident/injury and death cases in all 50 states.

If your child or other loved one was harmed, you should contact an attorney immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement for shock and emotional distress by filing a suit in district court and our law firms can help.