On July 29, 2021, Generac announced a recall of Generac and DR portable generators, citing the risk of amputation and crushing of fingers.
The recall was re-announced on Nov. 10, 2022, due to an additional finger amputation and crushing injury report.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the generator’s “handle can pinch consumers’ fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved, posing finger amputation and crushing hazards.”
Generac received 37 reports of injuries, resulting in five crushed fingers and 24 finger amputations.
On Sept. 14, 2023, the recall was expanded to include two additional unit types, but for a different reason. This time, there is a serious risk of fire and burn hazards.
According to the CPSC, the generators’ fuel tanks could fail to vent from the rollover valve, causing the gas tank to build up excess pressure and eventually expel fuel when opened. Exploding fuel poses fire and burn hazards.
Generac received 27 incident reports of the generators overheating and pressurizing or expelling fuel when opened. Three of the incidents resulted in severe burn injuries.
The recall expansion includes 64,000 additional models.
What generators are included in the recalls?
The initial recall affects about 321,000 6500- and 8000-watt generators marketed under the brand names Generac and DR.
Consult the CPSC website for more information about model and serial numbers included in the first recall.
The second recall includes unit types GP15000E and GP17500E.
Model numbers are printed on a label on the heat shield. The heat shield is located between the engine and alternator of the generator.
The recalled generators were sold at home improvement and hardware stores nationwide between June 2013 and June 2021.
Generac To Pay $15.8 Million in Civil Penalty Settlement
Generac did not immediately share the reports of injuries with the CPSC, which is required by law. When the CPSC carried out an investigation into the matter, the firm found that Generac had been receiving reports of crushing fingers and partial amputations from consumers dating as far back as October 2018 and continuing into 2020.
Since Generac failed to immediately report the product defects, the CPSC set a steep civil penalty of $15,800,000 upon the company.
By the time Generac filed a report with the CPSC, there were already five reports of consumers suffering injuries from the generators crushing or cutting of fingers. These injuries required hospitalization, surgery, and/or sutures.
As of May 5, 2023, Generac agreed to pay the settlement.
The settlement agreement with the CPSC requires Generac to maintain a compliance program designed to follow the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) within their company. Generac will also file annual reports of their compliance with the program for a period of three years.
The CPSC advises consumers in possession of the recalled Generac and DR portable generators to stop use of the generators immediately.
Questions About a Generac or DR Portable Generator Recall Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a portable generator, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting new portable generator recall lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
We offer a Free Case Evaluation. Please contact us using the form below or by calling us at (800) 279-6386.
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