Hoverboards are among the most popular consumer products on the market today. Many different manufacturers produce their own version of the product. But hoverboards have proved to be extremely dangerous for many people. When you ride a hoverboard, you have the right to expect that it won’t injure you. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our highly skilled Miami injury attorneys can work diligently to help protect your rights.
Many riders have been injured in hoverboard accidents,not only through falls but also because some hoverboard models have reportedly burst into flames while charging or exploded during use. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has launched an investigation into the safety of these products, and thinks the battery pack compatibility issues with chargers may be to blame for the fires. The CPSC also found that reports of hoverboards catching fire took place in at least 17 states.
As a result of the hazards associated with hoverboards, major retailers such as Target and Amazon UK have stopped selling them. In addition, airlines have banned hoverboards from flights.
Generally speaking, consumer product liability is based on a duty of care. Put another way, manufacturers have a duty to design a reasonably safe product that will not harm the consumer when it is being used in the way it is supposed to be used. When a manufacturer is aware of certain risks associated with the use of the product, it has a duty to warn consumers of the potential risks and a duty to provide instructions regarding its proper use. Distributors and resellers can also be held liable for injuries resulting from faulty or defective products.
The law in Florida gives consumers the right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries from a defective product. The compensation may include damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income and benefits, rehabilitation costs, and more. In rare cases, the plaintiff may be able to seek punitive damages as well. If your loved one died because of a defective hoverboard, you may be able to pursue wrongful death damages. The amount of compensation that a plaintiff is entitled to receive will vary depending on the specific circumstances of that case.
It is important to note that plaintiffs have a limited amount of time to file their product liability claim, known as the statute of limitations. Under Florida law, the lawsuit must be filed within four years of the incident taking place. Failing to file within the appropriate time frame could mean losing your legal right to compensation. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to work with an attorney who will be vigilant about timelines in your case.
If you or someone close to you has been injured by a hoverboard accident, it is important to consult an experienced product liability attorney who can assess the facts of your situation. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we have helped many people pursue the justice and compensation they deserve for their injuries. We proudly serve clients throughout South Florida. For more information, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.
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