ZAGG, ACG, and QVC Recall Thousands of HALO 1000 Units After Reported Fatalities and Injuries
The HALO 1000 Portable Power Station, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery power bank, has been urgently recalled by ZAGG Inc., Alliance Consumer Group (ACG), and QVC Inc. due to serious fire and burn hazards. The recall was prompted by multiple incidents, including the tragic death of a 79-year-old man in Bradenton, Florida, who succumbed to smoke inhalation from a fire involving the recalled device in June 2022. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that these devices, sold between October 2021 and March 2022, pose significant risks due to the potential for their lithium-ion batteries to overheat.
The HALO 1000 Portable Power Station was marketed as a versatile power source, featuring three USB-A charge ports, a USB-C fast charge port, three AC outputs, two DC outputs, a DC socket, an LCD display, a built-in floodlight, and a collapsible handle. However, the device’s potential to overheat has led to catastrophic outcomes, including one fatality and several other incidents involving fires and injuries from smoke inhalation.
The product recall affects approximately 5,740 units that were sold in various colors, including Stone Gray, Carbon, Desert Sand, Midnight Blue, and Woodland Green. The units were sold at prices ranging from $1,000 to $1,300 through ZAGG, ACG, and QVC. Given the severity of the incidents associated with these products, the recall has become a top priority for consumer safety.
How People Are Harmed and Injured by the HALO 1000 Portable Power Stations
The danger posed by the HALO 1000 Portable Power Stations is significant and life-threatening. The primary hazard stems from the lithium-ion batteries, which are known to overheat, leading to potential fires. In the case of the 79-year-old man in Bradenton, Florida, the overheating of the power station led to a fatal fire, resulting in his death due to smoke inhalation. Additionally, there have been reports of other fires and injuries, including cases where individuals suffered from smoke inhalation and burn injuries.
The risk is not confined to just one or two units; the recall affects thousands of power stations, highlighting a widespread problem. Lithium-ion batteries, while efficient, are notoriously difficult to manage once they start to overheat. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as manufacturing defects, improper handling, or damage to the battery cells. Once a fire starts in a lithium-ion battery, it can be extremely challenging to extinguish, often requiring special procedures and equipment.
Legal Recourse for Victims: Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims of injuries caused by the HALO 1000 Portable Power Stations may be entitled to significant compensation through a product liability lawsuit. These types of lawsuits are designed to hold manufacturers and sellers accountable for placing dangerous or defective products into the hands of consumers. In this case, victims could file a lawsuit against ZAGG Inc., ACG, QVC, and possibly other involved parties, such as the manufacturers in China.
The process of filing a lawsuit begins with gathering evidence to support the claim. This might include medical records, eyewitness testimonies, photographs of injuries and damages, and expert opinions. Once this evidence is compiled, the victim’s attorney will file a complaint in the appropriate court. This complaint will outline the facts of the case, the legal grounds for the lawsuit, and the damages being sought.
Victims need an attorney for each step of the process because product liability cases can be complex. The attorney will handle negotiations with the opposing party, represent the victim in court, and ensure that all legal procedures are correctly followed. Furthermore, an attorney can help in calculating the damages that the victim might be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages if the conduct of the defendant was particularly egregious.
Types of Damages Recoverable in a Product Liability Lawsuit
In a product liability lawsuit concerning injuries caused by the HALO 1000 Portable Power Stations, victims may recover various types of damages. These damages can be categorized as economic and non-economic.
Economic damages include:
- Medical Expenses: Victims can recover costs related to hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: If the injury caused the victim to miss work, they could be compensated for lost income.
- Property Damage: Victims can recover the costs of repairing or replacing property damaged by the fire, such as homes, furniture, and personal belongings.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering: Victims may be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injury impacts the victim’s ability to enjoy life as they did before, they may be entitled to compensation.
In cases involving particularly reckless behavior by the manufacturer, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.