13,000 Units Pulled from Market Due to Risk of Electrical Short Circuit
OdorStop LLC has announced the recall of approximately 13,000 boot and shoe dryers due to a fire hazard associated with a potential electrical short circuit. The recall, issued on February 20, 2025, affects models OSOBSDD2 and OSOBSDD, which are used to dry and deodorize boots using high-output fans and a built-in timer. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that the heat or ozone on-off switch in these units can short circuit, leading to arcing and increasing the risk of fire.
The affected products were sold online at Amazon, OdorStop’s official website, Lowe’s, Global Industrial, and Webstaurant Store between December 2018 and October 2023, with prices ranging from $100 to $130. While no injuries or incidents have been reported so far, consumers who own these dryers are urged to stop using them immediately and request a free repair from OdorStop. The company is offering to install a new in-line fuse in the recalled units to mitigate the fire hazard and will cover the cost of shipping for repairs.
The Fire Risk Posed by the OdorStop Boot and Shoe Dryers
The recall centers on a defect in the on-off switch responsible for controlling the device’s heat or ozone functions. When this switch fails, it can cause electrical arcing—a phenomenon where electricity jumps between circuit components, generating heat and potentially igniting nearby materials. This type of defect significantly raises the risk of fire, particularly in indoor settings where the dryers are commonly used, such as homes, garages, and businesses.
Electrical fires can be particularly dangerous because they often start unnoticed. A short circuit can cause internal overheating, and if the unit is left unattended while running, a fire could spread rapidly. Given that these dryers are designed to run for hours at a time, the risk is heightened if users leave them on overnight or use them in enclosed spaces where flammable materials may be nearby.
Consumers who own the recalled models may not immediately recognize the danger, as the defect does not necessarily cause an immediate malfunction. However, continued use increases the likelihood of an electrical failure. In some cases, electrical arcing can damage wiring inside the unit, further escalating the fire risk.
Legal Rights of Consumers Harmed by Defective OdorStop Products
When a company sells a product with a defect that poses a serious risk to consumers, it may be held legally responsible for any injuries or damages caused. Product liability laws protect consumers by holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable when their products cause harm due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.
Victims who suffer property damage or injuries due to a defective OdorStop dryer could have grounds to file a product liability lawsuit. These cases are built on the legal theory that companies must ensure their products are safe for their intended use. If a product has a known defect—especially one that presents a fire hazard—the manufacturer must take corrective action to prevent harm. In this case, if a consumer suffered a house fire, burns, or smoke inhalation due to the defective dryer, they could seek compensation for their losses.
The Lawsuit Process for Victims of Defective Products
Filing a lawsuit for injuries caused by a defective product involves several key steps. The first step is identifying the defect and proving it caused harm. Victims must provide evidence that the OdorStop dryer was responsible for a fire or injury. This can include photographs of the damaged unit, fire reports, insurance claims, and expert analysis of how the defect led to ignition.
Next, victims must establish that the product was defective due to design flaws, manufacturing errors, or a failure to warn consumers about risks. In this case, the defect appears to be an electrical issue within the unit’s power switch, which was not properly designed to prevent short circuits. If OdorStop was aware of similar issues before the recall and failed to act sooner, this could strengthen claims of corporate negligence.
The legal process then moves into evidence gathering and negotiations. Attorneys for the victim will collect technical reports, testimony from engineers or fire investigators, and internal company documents that may reveal whether OdorStop knew of the defect before issuing the recall. Many cases settle before trial, as manufacturers often prefer to avoid the costs and negative publicity of litigation. However, if a fair settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to court, where a judge or jury determines whether the company is liable for damages.
Why Victims Need an Attorney for a Product Liability Claim
Cases involving defective consumer products require legal knowledge and resources to challenge large manufacturers. Companies like OdorStop have legal teams prepared to defend against liability claims, making it critical for victims to have representation from attorneys with experience in product liability lawsuits.
An attorney can help victims understand their legal rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and build a compelling case with expert testimony. Without legal representation, victims may struggle to prove the defect directly caused their injuries or property damage, reducing their chances of securing fair compensation.
Compensation Available in Product Liability Cases
Consumers who suffer harm from defective products may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the extent of their damages. These can include:
- Property Damage: Compensation for items destroyed in a fire caused by the defective OdorStop dryer, including costs to repair or replace belongings and structural damage to a home.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for burn injuries, respiratory issues from smoke inhalation, or other health complications caused by a fire.
- Lost Wages: If injuries prevent a victim from working, they may recover lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma following an accident.
- Punitive Damages: If it is proven that OdorStop was aware of the defect but failed to act in a timely manner, the court may impose punitive damages as a penalty for corporate negligence.
If you or a loved one have been harmed by a defective OdorStop boot and shoe dryer, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Fires caused by defective electrical products can result in devastating losses, and manufacturers must be held accountable for failing to ensure consumer safety. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is committed to protecting the rights of those affected by hazardous products.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review
Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our legal team is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Regardless of where your injury occurred, our national product injury law firm is ready to assist you.
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