When we purchase consumer products, we expect them to be safe. However, each year, defective and hazardous products cause thousands of injuries and even deaths. Over the last decade, numerous products have been recalled or linked to serious injuries, leading to lawsuits, settlements, and increased awareness about consumer safety.

As product liability attorneys, we understand the devastating impact that defective products can have on individuals and families. Below, we highlight some of the most dangerous consumer products of the past ten years and discuss how product liability laws protect victims.

1. E-Cigarettes and Vapes

Hazards: Explosions, Lung Disease, and Addiction

E-cigarettes and vape devices surged in popularity over the last decade, marketed as a "safer" alternative to traditional smoking. However, these products have been linked to serious health issues:

• Lithium-ion battery explosions led to severe burns and facial injuries.
• The 2019 "vaping illness" outbreak, known as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury), resulted in thousands of hospitalizations and multiple deaths.
• Juul and other companies faced lawsuits for targeting minors and contributing to nicotine addiction.

2. Takata Airbags

Hazards: Explosive Deployment, Fatal Injuries

One of the largest product recalls in history, the Takata airbag crisis affected millions of vehicles worldwide. Due to a faulty inflator, these airbags could explode upon deployment, sending metal shrapnel into passengers. The defect caused dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries, leading to billions of dollars in settlements.

3. Peloton Tread+ Treadmills

Hazards: Child and Pet Injuries, Fatal Accidents

Peloton's Tread+ treadmill was recalled in 2021 after multiple reports of injuries and one tragic child fatality. The design allowed children and pets to be pulled underneath the machine, causing crushing injuries. Despite safety warnings, the dangers led to lawsuits and changes in treadmill safety standards.

4. Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleepers

Hazards: Infant Suffocation and Death

Marketed as a convenient sleep solution for babies, the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper was linked to over 100 infant deaths due to suffocation risks. After years of warnings from pediatric experts, the product was recalled in 2019, but many units remained in use, leading to further tragedies.

5. IKEA Malm Dressers

Hazards: Tip-Over Injuries and Deaths

IKEA's Malm dressers became infamous for their tip-over risk, which led to multiple child fatalities. The company eventually recalled millions of units and paid out significant settlements to families of victims. This case highlighted the importance of securing furniture to prevent accidents.

6. Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Hazards: Exploding Batteries, Fire Risk

In 2016, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 became one of the most high-profile electronic recalls in history. Due to defective lithium-ion batteries, the devices overheated and caught fire, leading to injuries and property damage. Airlines even banned the phone from flights before Samsung issued a full recall.

7. Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder

Hazards: Cancer Risk from Talc and Asbestos

For decades, Johnson & Johnson's talcum-based baby powder was a household staple. However, lawsuits alleged that prolonged use of the product led to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma due to asbestos contamination. The company faced billions in settlements and eventually pulled the talc-based powder from U.S. shelves.

8. Hoverboards

Hazards: Battery Explosions, Falls, and Fires

Hoverboards became a trendy gift item in the mid-2010s, but their poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries caused dozens of fire-related incidents, leading to house fires and injuries. Additionally, design flaws contributed to falls, broken bones, and concussions.

9. Boppy Newborn Loungers

Hazards: Suffocation Risk and Infant Deaths

The Boppy Newborn Lounger was recalled in 2021 after multiple reports of infants suffocating when placed on the product. Despite the recall, some loungers remained in circulation, prompting safety campaigns to remove them from homes and resale markets.

10. Roundup Weed Killer (Glyphosate)

Hazards: Cancer and Toxic Exposure

Bayer (formerly Monsanto) faced massive litigation over Roundup, a widely used weed killer containing glyphosate. Studies linked glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leading to multi-billion-dollar verdicts against the company. Despite continued legal battles, the product remains on the market with warning labels.

Legal Rights for Injured Consumers

When a dangerous or defective product causes harm, victims have legal options. Product liability law allows injured consumers to seek compensation from manufacturers, retailers, and distributors under the following claims:

• Defective Design – The product was inherently dangerous due to a design flaw.
• Manufacturing Defect – A mistake in production made the product unsafe.
• Failure to Warn – The company did not provide adequate safety warnings or instructions.

How We Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective or dangerous product, our legal team is here to help. We have experience handling complex product liability cases and will fight to hold negligent manufacturers accountable. Give us a call or engage with our chat for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.