Recall Alert

The recent expansion of the Igloo cooler recall has raised serious concerns about consumer safety and product liability. As a personal injury attorney, I want to share this comprehensive guide. It will help you understand recalls, their effects, and your rights as a consumer. The Igloo cooler recall affects about 1.2 million units. It involves serious injury risks that all consumers should know about.

Understanding the Igloo Cooler Product Recall Process and Your Rights

When a company finds out that their product is unsafe for consumers, they must legally recall it. The recall process for Igloo coolers started earlier this year. It has now expanded to include more units made before January 2024.

The product recall affects nearly 1.2 million Igloo coolers sold across the United States. This massive scale underscores the seriousness of the safety concerns and the potential for widespread harm if consumers remain unaware of the dangers.

Product recalls follow a structured process overseen by regulatory agencies. For consumer products like coolers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) monitors and enforces recall compliance. Understanding this process helps consumers know what to expect and how to protect themselves.

CPSC Recall Announcement: Details and Timeline

According to the CPSC recall announcement, consumers should immediately stop using the affected coolers. The first recall included units made from July 2021 to December 2023. The new recall expands the recall to coolers made before January 2024.

The timeline of events is important to understand:

• The coolers were sold between January 2019 and January 2025
• Prices ranged from $80 to $140
• Major retailers including Costco, Target, and Dick’s Sporting Goods carried these products
• The expanded recall added approximately 130,000 more units to the already recalled 1 million coolers

The CPSC recall focuses on the 90 Qt Rolling Coolers. These coolers have a tow handle that can cause a serious pinch point. This design flaw has led to numerous injuries, prompting regulatory intervention.

How Consumer Product Safety Recall Procedures Protect You

This consumer product safety recall highlights the importance of manufacturers addressing design flaws promptly. The CPSC’s recall system is an important safety tool for consumers. It helps remove dangerous products from the market before they can cause further harm.

The recall process includes several protective measures:

1. Identification of the hazard through consumer reports and testing
2. Assessment of the risk level and potential for injury
3. Determination of an appropriate remedy (repair, replacement, or refund)
4. Public notification through multiple channels
5. Monitoring of remedy implementation

These procedures exist to safeguard consumers from dangerous products. When functioning properly, the system can prevent countless injuries. However, as the Igloo cooler case demonstrates, even with these protections in place, serious injuries can occur before a recall is initiated or expanded.

What an Igloo Cooler Recall Notice Means for Affected Consumers

If you receive a recall notice for your Igloo cooler, take immediate action to prevent potential injuries. A recall notice is not just a suggestion—it’s an urgent safety warning that requires prompt attention.

When you receive such a notice, you should:

1. Stop using the product immediately
2. Check the model number and date code to confirm if your cooler is affected
3. Follow the instructions provided to obtain the remedy
4. Keep documentation of all communications with the manufacturer

In the Igloo cooler case, the company is offering a free replacement handle that eliminates the hazard. This remedy is provided at no cost to consumers, as required by law.

The recall notice also serves as an official acknowledgment of the product defect. This documentation can be important if you’ve already suffered an injury and are considering legal action.

Fingertip Amputation Recall: Understanding the Severity of the Hazard

The fingertip amputation recall came after 78 reports of injuries, including 26 severe cases. This alarming statistic highlights the serious nature of the defect in these coolers.

The injury happens with the tow handle. This handle can create a dangerous pinch point when pulling the cooler. Pulling with too much force can make the handle snap or fold. This can create a guillotine effect that traps fingers and causes serious injuries.

Amputation injuries are particularly devastating because:

• They often result in permanent disability
• They typically require extensive medical treatment
• They can significantly impact quality of life and ability to work
• They may cause lasting psychological trauma

The severity of these injuries underscores why immediate compliance with the recall is essential. Even a moment of inattention while using an affected cooler could result in a life-altering injury.

Igloo Coolers Recall Safety Issues: What Went Wrong

Igloo coolers safety concerns center around the tow handle design that can pinch or crush fingers. The main problem seems to be with the handle’s folding mechanism. It does not have enough safety features to stop fingers from getting caught when the handle is in use.

Product design experts note several potential issues:

1. Insufficient stress testing under real-world conditions
2. Inadequate safety margins in the handle mechanism
3. Lack of pinch-point protection features
4. Failure to anticipate foreseeable misuse

These design shortcomings highlight the importance of thorough safety testing before products reach consumers. When manufacturers rush products to market without adequate safety evaluation, consumers bear the risk.

The recall now includes older production models. This suggests that the design flaw may have been around longer than first thought. This raises questions about when the company first became aware of the potential hazard.

Your Consumer Rights for Product Recalls: Legal Protections

Understanding your consumer rights for product recalls can help you receive proper compensation for injuries. Federal law provides several important protections:

1. Right to a remedy at no cost
2. Right to clear information about the hazard
3. Right to timely notification
4. Right to pursue compensation for injuries

If you’ve been injured by a recalled product, you may have grounds for a product liability claim. These claims typically fall into three categories:

• Design defects (as in the Igloo cooler case)
• Manufacturing defects
• Failure to warn

The law recognizes that consumers cannot reasonably be expected to identify hidden dangers in the products they purchase. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe when used as intended.

Identifying Safety Hazards of Igloo Coolers in Your Home

The safety hazards of Igloo coolers primarily involve the tow handle mechanism that can cause severe injuries. If you own an Igloo cooler, here’s how to determine if yours is affected:

1. Look for the model number on the bottom of the cooler
2. Check for date codes, which are typically imprinted with an arrow on the cooler’s bottom
3. Compare your model and date code with those listed in the recall notice

Affected models include:

• Model/SKU #34692 (LATITUDE 90 QT ROLLER)
• Model/SKU #34785 (MAXCOLD LATITUDE 90 QT ROLLER)
• Model/SKU #34790 (MAXCOLD LATITUDE 90 QT ROLLER)
• And several others listed in the recall notice

Even if you have not had problems with your cooler, stop using it if it is part of the recall. The nature of the defect means that failure can occur suddenly and without warning.

Filing Product Liability Claims After an Injury

Victims may be entitled to file product liability claims to recover damages for medical expenses and pain. If you’ve been injured by a recalled Igloo cooler, consider these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately and document all injuries
2. Preserve the product in its current condition (do not alter or repair it)
3. Document all expenses related to the injury
4. Consult with a product liability attorney like Carr & Carr Injury Attorneys.

Product liability claims can provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional distress

The statute of limitations for product liability claims varies by state, typically ranging from one to three years from the date of injury. This makes prompt action essential if you’ve been harmed.

Understanding Manufacturer Recall Responsibilities Under Federal Law

Manufacturer recall responsibilities include notifying consumers and providing a remedy at no cost. Federal regulations establish clear obligations:

1. Monitoring Requirements
   • Manufacturers must continuously monitor their products for defects
   • They must maintain records of consumer complaints
   • They must investigate potential safety issues promptly
2. Reporting Obligations
   • Manufacturers must report substantial product hazards to the CPSC within 24 hours
   • They must provide all information about the nature and extent of the defect
   • They must cooperate with CPSC investigations
3. Remedy Implementation
   • Manufacturers must offer an effective remedy (repair, replacement, or refund)
   • They must make the remedy process simple for consumers
   • They must bear all costs associated with the remedy

Not meeting these obligations can lead to serious penalties. Fines can reach up to $100,000 for each violation. For a series of related violations, the maximum fine can be $15 million.

Case Studies: When Product Recalls Save Lives

Historical data demonstrates the life-saving potential of effective recalls. Consider these examples:

1. Infant Sleepers Recall (2019)
   • Over 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers were recalled after being linked to infant deaths
   • The recall potentially prevented hundreds of additional fatalities
   • The case led to improved safety standards for infant sleep products
2. Vehicle Airbag Recalls (2013-2020)
   • The Takata airbag recall affected 67 million airbags in the U.S.
   • At least 24 deaths and 400 injuries were attributed to the defect
   • The recall, while challenging to implement, prevented countless additional casualties
3. Children’s Toy Recalls
   • Magnetic building sets recalled in 2006 after children swallowed loose magnets
   • The recall and subsequent design changes dramatically reduced magnet ingestion injuries
   • Industry-wide safety standards were improved as a result

These examples illustrate how the recall system, despite its limitations, serves a vital public safety function. When manufacturers act responsibly and consumers respond promptly, recalls save lives.

Steps to Take If You Own a Recalled Igloo Cooler

If you discover that you own one of the recalled coolers, follow these steps:

1. Stop using the cooler immediately
2. Contact Igloo for a free replacement handle
   • Call toll-free at 888-257-0934 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday
   • Email at re****@**********rs.com
   • Visit www.igloocoolers.com/pages/safety-alerts
3. Follow the instructions for obtaining and installing the replacement part
4. Keep documentation of your communication with the company

Remember that federal law prohibits the sale of products subject to a publicly announced recall. If you see recalled Igloo coolers still being sold, report this to the CPSC.

Preventing Future Product Injuries

While recalls are an important safety measure, preventing injuries in the first place is always preferable. Consider these general product safety tips:

1. Register new products with the manufacturer to ensure you receive recall notices
2. Check for recalls regularly at www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
3. Inspect products for signs of wear or damage before each use
4. Follow all safety instructions and warnings
5. Report safety concerns to manufacturers and the CPSC

Manufacturers also have a role to play in prevention:

• Implementing robust quality control systems
• Conducting thorough safety testing under real-world conditions
• Designing products with safety margins that account for foreseeable misuse
• Responding quickly to early indicators of potential problems

Conclusion: Staying Vigilant About Product Safety

The Igloo cooler recall serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of product safety vigilance. Nearly 1.2 million coolers with the potential to cause severe injuries were sold to unsuspecting consumers. Only through the recall process can these dangerous products be removed from homes and the risk of injury reduced.

As consumers, we place our trust in manufacturers to provide safe products. When trust is broken, the legal system offers solutions. This can happen through the recall process or product liability claims.

If you own an Igloo cooler, check immediately to see if it’s included in the recall. If you’ve been injured by a recalled product, know that you have rights and potential legal recourse. Product safety is not just a regulatory concern—it’s a matter of public health that affects us all.

By staying informed about recalls and understanding your rights as a consumer, you can better protect yourself and your family from dangerous products.

Boxine U.S. Recalls tonies Blocks Due to Magnet Ingestion Hazard; Sold Exclusively at tonies.com

Consumers should stop using the recalled blocks with magnets immediately, take them away from children, and contact tonies for instructions on returning the recalled blocks for a full refund. Consumers can also go to https://tonies.happyreturns.com/ and choose “Blocks Return” as the reason for return. tonies will then provide the customer with a return label. After the product has been received, tonies will provide the initial form of payment with a full refund and an additional $14.99 tonies.com coupon code. tonies is also contacting all purchasers directly. The recalled products are being remotely deactivated so that they no longer function.

Tonies has received one report of the magnet detaching from the product. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves tonies wooden blocks, with magnets inside. Only tonies Blocks Marine Life, UPC 840147407689, tonies Blocks Invention and Innovation, UPC 840147407733 and tonies Blocks Gentle Giant Dinos UPC 840147407580 are being recalled.

Each block is about 5 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick. The blocks were sold in blue, tan and green with pictures on one side of various marine life, dinosaurs, and invention and innovation, and white text on the other side, describing the picture. Blocks were sold in sets of four. Each set is packaged in a white and red cardboard box. The UPC is on the back of the box beneath the barcode.

They were sold exclusively online at tonies.com from November 2021 through December 2021 for between $15 and $20.

Recalled on March 24, 2022, number 22-736, about 4,200 units sold.

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Commencal Recalls Ramones 14-Inch Kids Bicycles Due to Crash Hazard

Consumers should immediately take the recalled bikes away from children, stop using them, and contact the firm for a free repair kit. Commencal Corp. is contacting all purchasers directly by email.

This recall involves the Commencal Ramones 14-inch children’s bicycles. The single speed bicycles have handbrakes but do not have footbrakes. The bicycles were sold in multiple colors with the model year printed on the front fork leg stickers.

No incidents have been reported yet.

Sold online at www.commencalusa.com from December 2014 through March 2021 for between $230 and $320.

Recalled on March 9, 2022, number 22-735, about 925 units sold.

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EGL Motor Recalls EGL and ACE-branded Youth All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) Due to Violations of Federal ATV Safety Standard; Risk of Serious Injury or Death

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ATVs and contact EGL Motor to make an appointment for a free repair from an authorized repair shop. Reflectors, headlights and a chest protector will be installed on the ATV. EGL will also repair the parking brake, speed capability and spark arrestor.

The ATVs fail to comply with the requirements of the federal mandatory ATV safety standard. The B125 ATVs exceed the maximum speed limitations for vehicles intended for children aged 10 and older. For the Madix 110, the parking brakes do not prevent the movement of the vehicle. In addition, the handlebars on both ATVs pose a laceration hazard should the rider’s body or head impact the handlebars at a high rate of speed such as in a crash. ATVs that fail to meet the mandatory safety requirements pose a risk of serious injury or death.

The recall involves EGL and ACE-branded Youth ATVs, models MADIX 110 and B125. The vehicles were sold in various colors including orange, red, blue, pink, and green and marketed for children ages 10 and older. The name of the vehicle is printed on a label located on both sides of the vehicle. The model number is stamped into the metal plate located on the left side, under the rear body. The phrase “This ATV is subject to EGL MOTOR INC’s action plan approved by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission” is printed on a label located under the model number plate.

No incidents have been reported yet.

Sold at AWL Distribution, BV Powersports, and other authorized dealerships nationwide from May 2020 through September 2020 for between $550 and $670.

Recalled on March 24, 2022, number 22-108, about 500 units sold.

Carr and Carr Attorneys

If you or someone you know have been injured by a dangerous or defective product, our attorneys are here to help. We are available 24/7. Call us at 866-510-0580 or contact us online for a free case consultation.

Recalled ATV– gray and pink – about 1,100 units sold

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair, including the installation of a new fuel line. Polaris has notified consumers to stop riding the vehicles. Polaris will be contacting all registered owners directly to provide more details about the repair.

This recall involves certain VINs of Polaris Model Year 2022 Outlaw 110 EFI Youth ATVs. The recalled ATVs were sold in gray/lime and gray/pink color combinations. “POLARIS” is printed on both sides of the vehicle below the headlights and on both sides of the seat. “Outlaw 110” is printed on both sides of the chassis. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is located in the left side wheel well.

Continue reading “Product Recalls 1.11.22”

Backyard Play Systems Recalls Playsets with Wooden Roof Due to Entrapment Hazard – About 5,100 units sold

This recall involves Backyard Play Systems outdoor playsets with a wooden roof. The wooden roof is included with home play equipment marketed under the brand names Yardline Play Systems (models Turbo Racer, Cloud Racer) and Gorilla Playsets (models Captain’s Fort, Fort Highlander). The playsets include a solid wood roof with a lookout window, slides, swings, a rock-climbing wall and other play features.

The wooden parts used to reinforce and create a decorative gable design on the wooden roof pose an entrapment hazard to children. Children can become trapped in the gap between the lower part of the roof structure and the bottom of the gable decoration.

Continue reading “Product Recalls 11.8.2021”

Walmart Recalls Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Due to Rare and Dangerous Bacteria; Two Deaths Investigated

This recall involves Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones. Tests conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that a bottle of the room spray contained the rare and dangerous bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei which causes melioidosis, a condition that is difficult to diagnose and can be fatal. CDC has been investigating a cluster of four confirmed cases of melioidosis including two deaths in the U.S. Though the source of these four infections has not been confirmed by CDC, the bottle with the same type of bacteria was found in the home of one of the melioidosis decedents.

Continue reading “Product Recalls 11.2.2021”

Phoenix 200 All-Terrain Vehicles ATVs Recalled by Polaris Due to Crash Hazard– About 13,000 sold

In September 2021, Polaris recalled the Phoenix 200 All-Terrain ATVs, all model years 2011 through 2021. They were sold in red, blue or gray. “Polaris” is decaled on the front body and the sides of the ATV seats and “Phoenix 200” is decaled on the side panels. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the vehicle’s front left frame.

About 13,000 of these ATVs were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from September 2010 through June 2021 for between $3,500 and $4,300. The firm has received 18 reports of throttle stop breaking or sticking, including one report of a crash which resulted in a minor injury.

Continue reading “Product Recalls 10.12.2021”

Harbor Freight Tools Recalls to Repair Propane Portable Heaters Due to Fire Hazard – About 19,000 sold

On September 16, 2021, Harbor Freight has recalls to repair their propane heaters due to fire hazards. The fitting at the back of the heater can fail to be sufficiently tight, causing the heater to leak propane gas, posing a fire hazard.

About 19,000 of these heaters were sold at Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide and online at www.harborfreight.com from November 2020 until March 5, 2021 for about $100. The firm has received 13 reports of propane gas leaking, including one report of a fire. No injuries have been reported.

Continue reading “Product Recalls 9.20.2021”