Countertop blenders mix, crush and puree food using a rotating blade at the bottom of the jar. As effective as this blade is at cutting and mixing, it also makes the appliance dangerous if it detaches or breaks off mid-operation.
The manufacturer BlendJet has recalled 4.8 million of its BlendJet 2 Portable Blenders over risks that the appliances could overheat and catch fire. In some cases, the blades of affected blenders can break off, causing lacerations to users.
According to BlendJet, it had received about 329 reports of the blades breaking while in operation. It also received another 17 reports of overheating or fires resulting in property damage totaling $150,000. In addition, there have been 49 reports of minor burn injuries related to the defective blenders and one report of a laceration injury.
BlendJet has recommended that owners check if their products are affected by the recall. Consumers can refer to the serial number on their blenders and input them on the company’s website to learn if their appliance is part of the recall.
Those with affected blenders have been advised to immediately stop using the appliances and contact BlendJet for a free replacement.
What to do immediately after injury
If you suffer injuries from a defective blender, you’ll want to do the following quickly:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Get medical treatment for your injuries, especially if you suffer serious wounds.
- Preserve the evidence: Don’t forget to document your injuries and treatments. You should also keep the blender and any packaging. Consider writing down your recollection of the incident.
- Report the incident: Notify the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the blender’s manufacturer of the incident.
Once you’ve accomplished these, you might want to consider filing a product liability lawsuit.
Filing a product liability lawsuit
In California, product liability claims can be based on three main theories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn. You’ll have to show that the product was defective, that it caused your injury, and that you were using the product as intended.
However, keep in mind that the state generally gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. On top of collecting evidence, you should consider working with a legal professional, who can help determine if you have a case.