An investigation by CNN found that dozens of AmazonBasics electronics are still for sale despite customers reporting fires, explosions, and other safety hazards.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting AmazonBasics fire induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or burned by AmazonBasics products that overheated or caught on fire, 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.
AmazonBasics Electronics Linked to Reports of Fires, Explosions — Many Are Still for Sale
In September 2020, an investigation by CNN found at least 70 AmazonBasics® products were linked to over 1,500 reviews describing serious safety hazards, such as fires or overheating. Nearly 200 of the reviews involved property damage, such as burned walls.
What is the Problem?
The products linked to safety hazards include surge protectors, microwaves, USB cords, phone chargers, paper shredders, batteries, and more.
CNN warned that many are still for sale. Around 30 products that are linked to at least 3 reviews of fire hazards were still for sale on Amazon, despite the company being made aware of the problem.
Only 2 Recalls Since 2009 — Good or Bad Sign?
In response to CNN, Amazon wrote a blog post highlighting that only 2 products had been recalled since 2009 — but that may actually be a sign of inadequate recalls.
In 2019, Amazon recalled AmazonBasics Space Heaters after 25 reports of overheating, burning, or sparking.
In 2018, Amazon recalled AmazonBasics Power Banks after 53 reports of the power banks overheating or catching on fire. One person suffered chemical burns from contact with the battery acid.
AmazonBasics Surge Protector Linked to Fire Hazards
CNN found that an AmazonBasics surge protector was linked to a terrifying review from a father who said it overheated and turned into a “blowtorch” with flames shooting out.
Another customer said their AmazonBasics surge protector caught on fire when it was plugged in but not being used. Amazon continued to sell it for nearly 2 more years, even as another 40 reviews describing safety issues were published by unhappy customers, according to CNN.
Amazon Microwave Linked to 150 Reports of Fires
CNN also warned that a voice-activated AmazonBasics microwave has received over 150 reviews describing sparks, smoke, fires, and other serious safety hazards since it was introduced in late 2018.
Amazon Pays Settlement in Lawsuit for USB Cord Fire
Lawsuits have also been filed after AmazonBasics electronics caught on fire. In January 2017, a man from Connecticut said his AmazonBasics Apple Certified Lightning-to-USB charging cord overheated and ignited the fabric on his chair at his apartment.
The fire caused severe property damage, and he was hospitalized with 2nd-degree burns and throat injuries due to smoke inhalation. Soon after he filed a lawsuit (PDF), Amazon paid a confidential settlement.
When CNN investigated the USB cord, they found reports of fires for at least a year before. One user wrote in May 2016: “DO NOT BUY! FIRE HAZARD!” A month later, another user wrote: “End of the cable melted and started smoking. Glad we caught it before a fire.”
Do I have an AmazonBasics Fire Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting AmazonBasics fire induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or burned by AmazonBasics products that overheated or caught on fire, 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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