Shoes that light up may be entertaining and fun to watch, but the battery inside them could pose a threat to tiny feet, according to a recently filed lawsuit against the company.
Parents may be unaware the popular shoe line from Skechers contains a battery that could be dangerous to children. The affected products are Twinkle Toes, Shopkins and S-Light models of Skechers shoes. Skechers discontinued its Lights Flashpod Scoria style shoes in 2017 but they are still available from third-party retailers.
Since 2015, Skechers produced 42 styles of light-up shoes. However, the controversial style of shoes were not marketed despite being available to consumers.
Ni-Can Battery Failure
These shoes contain a Ni-Can battery. This battery is different than a typical lead-acid battery. It is lightweight, rechargeable and found in most small battery-operated devices. However, it is extremely toxic and dangerous if put in the wrong circumstances.
The battery to the light-up shoes is typically found in the heel or within the sole. Though the battery is completely enclosed, this may pose a problem for ventilation and an accumulation of gas buildup. Since it is in an airtight compartment, the battery most likely has no way to breathe. Coupled with the repetitive pressure it gets from walking, this could potentially cause it to explode or leak chemicals.
The problem may be worsened if shoes are exposed to water, such as puddles or from laundering in a washing machine. This would compromise the battery and lead to potential rusting.
Skechers in the News
A woman in New York filed a lawsuit in federal court after her sons Skechers burned her son’s feet. The lawsuit alleges the Ni-Cad battery is defective and poses a “clear and present danger” to children who wear the shoes.
On June 26, 2018, Sherry Foster posted on Facebook about her son Peyton, who suffered 2nd-degree burns when the battery of his shoes leaked onto his feet. He was wearing Sketch Rays, an S-Light line of Skechers. A link to this particular line on the Skechers website said it was out of stock or no longer available.
Despite a number of consumer complaints, Skechers has only made statements indicating the company is aware of the problem. Though the company updated its website to include proper cleaning care for Ni-Cad battery-operated shoes, it has still not addressed the potential problem. Parents may still be unaware there is a possibility of explosion or chemical burn danger to their children wearing the shoes.
Questions About a Skechers Light Up Shoe Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If your child was injured from defective Skechers light-up shoe models, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting Skechers injury 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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