The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled 84,000 step stools due to their tendency to break and potentially injure those who use them. The company that manufactures the product, Tricam Industries, is cooperating with the government to rectify the situation
While a product should no longer be used after a recall, Louisiana law may still allow product liability claims after the recall has occurred. Recalls serve to inform consumers that they may have a defective product, but also informs those that have been injured by the product that a larger problem exists.
Companies have an obligation to thoroughly test the safety of their products and consumers have legal means to recover the damage done by the failure to ensure that a product is truly safe before it hits shelves.
This particular step stool has three steps and is sold as part of the Gorilla Ladders product line. Though the frame is made of metal, the steps are made of plastic. The top step is susceptible to breaking, which can cause the user to fall and seriously injure themselves.
Thus far, Tricam has acknowledged at least five instances of the step stools breaking while in use. Up until now there have been no serious injuries reported, but one of the incidents resulted in scrapes and bruises. The product is advertised as being able to withstand 225 pounds.
It is against the law to sell a product once it has been recalled. These foot stools were sold through Home Depot stores from between the spring and summer of this year. Anyone who is injured through the use of this product, or any other harmful product, may want to seek out reliable information in order to assess their options.
Source: Wilson County News, “Tricam recalls step stools sold at Home Depot,” Oct. 25, 2012
