Ohio Product Liability Lawyer Alert: Massive Drill Recall, 6 Injuries Reported

December 5, 2015

This week Harbor Freight Tools recalled 1.7 million cordless drills after it was revealed that a defect in the devices can lead to overheating. The handheld devices have already been linked to six instances of burns and five reports of damage to property.

Harbor Freight Drill Recall

The recall applies to Harbor Freight’s Drill Master 18-volt cordless drills, item numbers 68239 and 68287. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports the defect in the product is “[a]n internal switching mechanism [that] can become stuck in the ‘on’ position.” The affected drills were sold for more than four years, from May 2011 through September 2015, and, with more than a million-and-a-half units involved, this is one of the largest tool or appliance recalls in recent memory.

Consumers should not use the recalled drills and may contact Harbor Freight for more information regarding recompense for defective units. With so many units involved, concerns remain that the 25 reported incidents of malfunction are only the tip of the iceberg.

Request Legal Advice When Dealing with a Defective Tool or Appliance Injury

As this recall illustrates, power tool injuries are not limited to injuries that occur during use. Idle electric tools, much like appliances, can malfunction due to faulty wiring or other manufacturing defects, with terrible injuries as the result. Hot metal or melted plastic can cause burn injuries or ignite deadly home fires, putting both tool users and their families at risk.

Sadly, manufacturers of defective products do not care about consumers, they care about their own bottom lines. But Ohio law provides recourse for consumers injured by defective and recalled products.  If you or a love one were injured by a defective tool or a faulty appliance, seek the counsel of an experienced Cleveland, Ohio product liability lawyer.

Call Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA for a free consultation.

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