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Fitbit Force Lawsuit

UPDATE: In March 2022, Fitbit recalled 1.7 million Fitbit Ionic smartwatches after more than 100 people were burned by the battery overheating.

In March 2014, Fitbit recalled 1 million Fitbit Force activity-tracking wristbands after more than 10,000 people reported skin irritation, including blisters, rashes, and burns. They believe the problem is due to allergic reactions to materials in the wristband.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Fitbit smartwatch induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or burned by Fitbit, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: 1.7 Million Fitbit Ionic Smartwatches Recalled After 100+ People Burned

In March 2022, Fitbit recalled 1.7 million Fitbit Ionic smartwatches worldwide after 174 reports of the battery overheating. In some cases, the battery became extremely hot and caused severe burn injuries.

There were 118 reports of people worldwide who were burned, including 2 people with 3rd-degree burns and 4 people with 2nd-degree burns in the U.S. The recalled smartwatches were sold from September 2017 through December 2021.

Lawsuit Claims New Fitbit Wristbands Cause Skin Rashes

May 29, 2015 — A lawsuit (PDF) has been filed by seven people who had severe skin reactions after wearing the Fitbit Surge or Charge HR activity-tracking wristbands. Click here to read more.

February 12, 2015 — San Francisco-based ABC News7 reports that over 200 people on social media say they have developed skin irritation after using Fitbit Charge and Surge activity-tracking wristbands. Click here to read more.

October 20, 2014 — The CPSC has concluded an investigation into the risk of skin rashes from the Fitbit Flex. Instead of recalling the activity-tracking wristbands, they will require a warning label about skin irritation from nickel or chemicals used in the adhesive. Click here to read more.

April 9, 2014 — Fitbit has been hit with a lawsuit from a Pennsylvania woman who says the Fitbit Force wristband may have scarred her for life. Click here to read more.

March 20, 2014 — Fitbit Inc. has been hit with a class action lawsuit in California on behalf of people who purchased the Fitbit Force activity-tracking wristband. Plaintiffs are demanding to know what is causing the skin reactions. They also want Fitbit to notify people who purchased the wristband about the recall and $130 refund. Click here to read more.

What is the Fitbit Force?

Fitbit Force is a fitness wristband that tracks daily activity, sleep, steps taken, calories burned, and weight. Users can upload their data wirelessly and see progress on a mobile device or computer. The watch face is an LED screen, and the wristband is made of plastic with a stainless steel casing. Fitbit Force was sold from October 2013 – February 2014 in major retail stores for about $130.

10,000+ Reports of Fitbit Force Skin Reactions

More than 9,900 people have reported developing skin irritation, rashes, or burns after using Fitbit Force. About 250 complaints involve blistering. One victim posted graphic photos of skin burns on her Twitter account, and wrote “No one should be selling it. Rashes aren’t minor irritation.”

What Causes Fitbit Force Burn Injuries?

Fitbit has determined that electrical components in the watch are not responsible for burn injuries. Instead, materials in the wristband are causing allergic contact dermatitis (skin reactions). According to Fitbit:

“Some users may be reacting to the nickel present in the surgical grade stainless steel used in the device. Other users are likely experiencing an allergic reaction to the materials used in the strap or the adhesives used to assemble the product.”

Fitbit Force Recall

Fitbit and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a voluntary recall notification on March 12 for approximately 1 million Fitbit Force wristbands in the United States and 28,000 in Canada.

The recall includes model numbers FB402BK, FB402BKS, FB402SL and FB402SLS. Customers who need a refund should visit Fitbit’s website or contact the company at 1‑888‑656‑6381.

What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis, also known as a skin reaction, is a hypersensitive immune response that occurs when irritants (chemicals, dyes, or metals) react with proteins in the skin. Once they cross the outer layer of skin, cells in the immune system identify them as foreign invaders and respond with inflammation and other symptoms. Most cases take 2-4 weeks to heal, but severe cases can cause permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis:

  • Pain or tenderness
  • Burning
  • Inflammation
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Blistering or lesions
  • Itching
  • Sloughing of dead skin
  • Discoloration of skin
  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement

Do I have a Fitbit Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Fitbit smartwatch induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or burned by Fitbit, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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