Generac Recall: Portable Generators
Generac Portable Generators Recalled Due to Finger Amputation and Crushing Hazards
You may be entitled to significant compensation if you purchased a Generac portable generator and suffered a finger injury. Read on to learn more about the recall.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of 6500-watt and 8000-watt Generac portable generators of various unit types and model numbers.
The generators contain a defect where an unlocked handle for moving can pinch the consumer’s fingers against the unit body, creating a finger amputation and crushing hazard.
The Generac generators use a gasoline-powered engine to generate electricity for backup power. They are moveable and have a two-wheel design with a single, U-shaped grip with a flip-up pin lock. It is this grip and pin-lock design that is causing the injury risks.
Legal action may be required if you or a loved one were injured by a Generac portable generator product. These types of cases can be complex and require the assistance of a qualified personal injury lawyer to represent you during the process.
Contact Harlan Hillier DiGiacco at (619) 330-5120 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your rights. We have a proven track record of obtaining significant results on behalf of our clients.
What Damages Are Available for Generac Recall Finger Amputation Claim?
Damages in a Generac portable generator injury case may cover a wide range of expenses and losses. These may include:
- Medical costs such as hospital bills, costs of medications, ambulance and emergency room fees, and other expenses
- Lost wages if the injury victim is unable to work while recovering from the incident
- Loss of future income if the injury affects the person’s ability to earn wages
- Long-term expenses such as ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
- Pain and suffering costs associated with such horrific and traumatizing injuries
Damages or settlement amounts for each case will vary depending on the facts and circumstances of each case. Factors that might influence the total damages issued include the nature and severity of the injury as well as total billable expenses.
Also, the experience and skill of the attorney handling the case can greatly affect the amount of damages collected. As such, it’s important to hire a product liability attorney who has the knowledge and capability to obtain the full amount of compensation available under the law.
What Do We Know About the Generac Generator Recall?
Here’s what we know about the recalled products:
- Recall Dates: The CPSC initially issued a recall on July 29, 2021. It then reannounced the recall on November 10, 2022, after more reports of amputations and finger crushing continued to come in.
- Type of Hazard Involved: An unlocked handle on the generator(s) can pinch the user’s fingers against the frame of the generator, creating a risk of finger amputation and crushing.
- Number of Units Recalled: About 321,160 Generac units were recalled.
The recalled Generac products were sold at major hardware and home improvement retail stores both nationwide and online from June 2013 through June 2021, for $790 to $1,480. These include stores such as:
About Harlan Hillier DiGiacco
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- Ace Hardware
- Amazon
- Blain’s Farm & Fleet
- City Electric Supply
- Costco
- Do it Best
- Fastenal
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s Stores
- Napa Auto Parts
- Northern Tool & Equipment
- Orgill
- Power Equipment Direct
- Ravitsky Bros. True Value
- W.W. Grainger
At Harlan Hillier DiGiacco, we have extensive experience handling personal injury claims involving defective products, including defective home goods, medical devices, kitchen appliances, and other dangerous items.
Losing the function of any of your body parts, especially the hands, can present permanent, life-altering challenges. You should not have to bear the burden of expenses caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you or a loved one were injured in any way by any type or model of Generac portable generator product, contact us immediately at (619) 870-0802. Our team can help ensure you receive the full justice you deserve.
Which Models Were Affected by the Generac Portable Generator Recall?
Names and product models recalled:
- Generac® and DR® 6500 Watt and 8000 Watt portable generators with unit type numbers:
- XT8000E
- XT8000EFI
- GP6500
- GP6500E
- GP8000E
- DR models:
- PRO 6500M
- PRO 6500E
The latest recall also includes any generators listed above that were purchased from July 29, 2021 through November 3, 2022, which contained a repair kit including guards for the handle.
The unit type is listed on the front of the generator product. Model and serial numbers can be found printed on a label on the product. If you have any difficulties locating the number for your product, or if you are unsure whether your product was affected, contact us at (619) 330-5120.
How Many Total Injuries Have Been Reported So Far?
The CPSC has received a total of 37 injury reports associated with the Generac products in question. 24 of these reports have resulted in finger amputations and five have resulted in finger crushing.
More cases may be unreported, and additional injuries may continue to happen if the products are still in use.
These types of injuries are severe and can lead to permanent life changes. Since we use our hands for almost every task and type of work, such injuries can result in a loss in the ability to generate income in the future. Legal action is needed to correct such long-term losses.
Generac’s Delayed Response Led to Additional Consumer Injuries
The CPSC secured a $15.8 million penalty against Generac for failing to timely disclose the amputation hazards posed by its portable generators.
Executives from Generac knowingly failed to report product defects for 25 months after they first became aware of the amputation and crushing hazards associated with 32 of its products. During that period of delay, five consumers suffered serious bodily injuries requiring partial amputations.
By the time the recall was issued in July of 2021, eight total individuals had lost body parts. If Generac had reported the injury risks after the first amputation case (which was required by law), seven people could have avoided being irreparably injured.
It’s time large corporations like Generac be held responsible for their violations and non-action. Product liability litigation can help bring the negligent actions of such parties to light and help prevent future instances from occurring.
What Is the Suggested “Fix” for the Generac 6500 Recall?
The CPSC states that “consumers should immediately stop using the recalled portable generators, unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle in place before and after moving the generator.”
Additionally, consumers are to “contact Generac for a free repair kit.” This kit consists of spacers that move the handle away from the frame to eliminate the pinch point. Customers who were affected by the original recall should automatically receive a new kit.
A Word About “Repair” Kits
Manufacturers often issue repair kits as a “fix” or “remedy” for products that have been deemed dangerous. However, such kits are never a permanent solution to a defective product. For instance, the repair kit itself could be defective or problematic, or it might not solve the issue completely.
If you feel at all unsafe with your Generac product, stop using it immediately and contact our law firm to determine what legal options are available for you.
The “fixes” and “remedies” offered by product manufacturers typically are not enough to compensate injured people financially for what they have been through.
The real remedy is to hold companies like Generac accountable in the first place for placing unsafe products on the market. Lawsuits also help reform consumer protection laws, thus improving overall safety standards for everyone.
Contact an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer
The injuries and hazards associated with Generac portable generators are serious and can potentially alter a person’s entire life. Temporary fixes provided by the manufacturer are not enough to fully compensate an injured person for an amputated or crushed finger.
Legal action can provide the financial damages award that can help the injury victim and their family get on the right track to recovery.
Why Hire Harlan Hillier DiGiacco
At Harlan Hillier DiGiacco, we are dedicated to providing the strongest advocacy possible for our clients. We have tried and settled hundreds of injury cases in a wide range of legal matters and have won millions of dollars in total awards for our clients.
Harlan Hillier DiGiacco’s approach is unique because we adapt our litigation strategies from case-to-case based on the client’s desired results. Contact us at (619) 330-5120 for personalized, tailored legal services for your case.
FAQs: Generac Recall Lawsuits
How long will a lawsuit for a Generac 8000 recall issue take?
There is no set amount of time for how long a defective product lawsuit will take. Some claims may take several months, while others can take up to a year or longer. It all depends on the individual facts of each case.
The important part is that you take action as soon as you think you may be affected by a recall issue. There are strict filing deadlines involved, and if you miss these, you might lose your opportunity to claim damages. Contact Harlan Hillier DiGiacco immediately if you suspect you have a case, and visit our FAQ page if you have additional questions about the legal process.
Who can be held liable for a defective product?
In most cases, it is the manufacturer who can be held liable for injuries caused by their products. There are many legal theories which can be brought against them depending on the nature of the defect. For instance, the product may be defective by design, or it could be defective because it was assembled incorrectly.
Sometimes, other parties can be held liable for defective product injuries. For instance, in some cases, a retailer can be held liable if they knowingly sold a product that was recalled and pulled from shelves.
Sorting out liability can be confusing. However, the good news is that this is the job of an attorney, not yours. So, by hiring a lawyer, you can devote your time to resting and recovering rather than worrying about the nuances of a lawsuit.
How can a product liability lawyer help me?
Product liability cases can involve complex legal concepts and various requirements. A product liability lawyer can help you by:
- Reviewing the facts of your case
- Researching the applicable laws and statutes
- Gathering evidence and witness statements
- Formulating a strong legal strategy and trial presentation
- Negotiating for the full compensation amount
These tasks require a legal professional who has direct experience handling cases for defective product injuries. Without a lawyer on your side, it will be difficult to make all of these preparations on your own, especially if you are injured and still recovering.
Will I owe any legal fees up front?
At Harlan Hillier DiGiacco, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only take a fee if we win the case for you, and you won’t have to pay any fees upfront.
Law firms that work on a contingency fee basis demonstrate that they have the resources to litigate your case without needing money from the client right away or upfront. If you want to understand what your legal rights and options are, contact us now at (619) 330-5120 to discuss your case and how to get started.