BJ’s Wholesale Club Recalls Berkley Jensen Gazebos Due to Injury Hazard

Potential Danger of Roof Panels Dislodging Sparks Recall of 32,500 Gazebos

BJ’s Wholesale Club recently initiated a recall of its Berkley Jensen branded gazebos due to a significant safety hazard. The recall was triggered by the discovery that the gazebo’s roof panels could become dislodged during high winds, posing a serious risk of injury. With approximately 32,500 units sold nationwide, this recall serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with improperly secured outdoor structures.

The recall includes four specific models of Berkley Jensen cedar hard-topped gazebos. These models, identified by their numbers—A102008010, A102008100, A102011920, and A102011902—were sold in copper and black colors and are between 10×12 feet and 12×14 feet in size. They were available for purchase from BJ’s Wholesale Club stores and online from October 2020 through May 2022. Priced between $1,300 and $1,800, these gazebos became a popular backyard feature for many homeowners.

However, despite their aesthetic appeal, the roof panels of these gazebos were found to be susceptible to dislodgement in high winds. The issue is not just one of inconvenience but of potential danger. There have been at least 137 reported incidents where roof panels detached, with one case resulting in minor injuries. This widespread problem has prompted BJ’s Wholesale Club to take swift action by offering a free repair kit to secure the roof panels properly.

BJ’s Wholesale Club has been proactive in contacting all known purchasers of the recalled gazebos directly. In the meantime, consumers are urged to stop using the gazebos and to stay clear of them to avoid potential injury. Those affected can request a repair kit by contacting BJ’s via phone, email, or their website, where additional information about the recall can also be found.

How Consumers Have Been Harmed by Defective Gazebos

While outdoor structures like gazebos offer aesthetic and functional benefits, they can also become sources of danger if they are poorly designed or manufactured. In this case, the roof panels of the recalled Berkley Jensen gazebos have the potential to come loose during high winds, putting anyone nearby at risk of being struck by a heavy, dislodged panel. This hazard can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe trauma depending on the circumstances of the incident.

Though there has only been one reported injury so far, the potential for far more serious harm exists, especially as these gazebos are located in backyards where families, including children, are often present. If a roof panel were to dislodge and hit someone, the force could cause significant physical damage, especially if the panel strikes the head or another vulnerable part of the body.

Beyond physical injuries, defective products like these gazebos can also lead to emotional distress, especially for those who narrowly escape serious injury or witness an incident involving a loved one. Financial burdens can also arise, not only from medical costs but also from the need to repair or replace the damaged gazebo.

Legal Options for Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective Berkley Jensen gazebo, you may have the right to seek compensation through a product liability lawsuit. These types of lawsuits are designed to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for releasing unsafe products to the public.

Filing a lawsuit can help victims recover a range of damages. These may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for immediate medical treatment following the injury, as well as ongoing care that may be required for more serious injuries.
• Lost Wages: If the injury resulted in time off work, you might be entitled to compensation for the income you lost during your recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims can also seek damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: In cases where the injury has a long-term impact on a person’s ability to enjoy life as they did before the accident, additional compensation may be available.

Why You Need an Attorney

Navigating the legal process after an injury from a defective product can be complex and overwhelming. This is where the expertise of an attorney becomes invaluable. An experienced attorney will not only help guide you through the legal system but will also ensure that your rights are protected at every step.

A qualified product liability attorney will:

• Investigate the Defect: Your attorney will gather evidence showing that the product was defective, including expert testimony, product testing reports, and other key documentation.
• Prove Liability: Establishing liability is critical in any product liability lawsuit. Your attorney will work to demonstrate that the defect was the result of negligence by the manufacturer or another party involved in the production or distribution of the product.
• Negotiate with Insurers: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your compensation, but an experienced attorney will know how to negotiate with them effectively to ensure you receive the full amount you deserve.
• Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court and advocate on your behalf.

With the help of an attorney, you can focus on your recovery while your legal team handles the complexities of your case. In many instances, victims who hire legal representation end up recovering more compensation than those who attempt to go through the process on their own.