Could defective coffeemakers lead to injuries?

If you are fortunate enough to find a new Keurig coffeemaker under your tree on Christmas morning, you may have to promptly bring it back to the store. According to a recent ABC News.com report, Keurig has issued a recall for its Mini Plus Brewing Systems. The recall could affect nearly 7 million machines sold in the United States and Canada.

Keurig reports that it has received 200 complaints of machines overheating and spraying water while it brews coffee. Additionally, 90 people reported suffering burns because of faulty brewers.

Indeed, we have written a great deal this year about recalls, primarily auto recalls due to faulty airbags, ignition switches and even wiper blades. However, the same duty of care with regard to informing consumers about defective products applies to coffeemakers as it does automobiles. Essentially, a manufacturer has a duty to ensure that the products it offers for sale are safe for their intended uses. If it finds that a defect could put consumers in danger, it has a duty to keep consumers informed and to make appropriate changes.

If a manufacturer fails to give such warnings and a consumer is injured, the manufacturer could be held liable, meaning that an injured consumer could seek monetary damages for their injuries. In the meantime, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has released details about the specific models subject to the recall. If you have been injured by such a coffeemaker, or any other household appliance, an experienced personal injury attorney can help.