Defective Fans Subject of Fine By USCPSC

Portable fans have been overheating and causing fires. Now, a company which manufactures these dangerous products will pay a $500,000 fine for not quickly reporting these problems.
Lasko Products received 42 related complaints involving nine injuries and property damage from 2002 through 2005 as a result of malfunctions in portable fans it manufactures.
Federal law requires that companies such as Lasko report potential hazards to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission within 24 hours. The company did not fully report the problems until September of 2005.
Lasko sold the box and floor fans from 2000 to 2004 under the brand names Lasko, General Galaxy and Air King. They were sold for about $10 to $25 at discount stores. In 2006, 5.6 million of the fans were recalled because an electrical failure in the motor could cause them to ignite.
At the time of the recall, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the injuries included burns and smoke inhalation and that at least eight of the reported fires caused extensive property damage.
Our product liability lawyers have handled numerous cases through the years involving serious injury and death by fires caused by malfunctioning appliances such as fans and dehuminifiers. All consumers should be aware of these potential dangers and ensure that such products have not been the subject of a recall.