Regular readers of this blog are aware that each week there are many defective products that are thankfully recalled before they have the opportunity actually harm anyone. In the situations when someone is seriously hurt, or even killed while using a dangerous or defect product, family of that person may have legal recourse. This is through a products liability lawsuit.
The family of a 16-year-old boy who died from injuries he suffered while using a beard and mustache trimmer manufactured by Wahl Clipper Corporation filed one such lawsuit and the trial started late last month. The matter from which the incident stems occurred two years ago. The teen was using a Wahl's Groomsman Beard and Mustache Trimmer that apparently burst into flames, engulfing much of his body. As a result he suffered third degree burns to his nose, mouth, neck, back, chest and arms.
After the incident the 11th grader was transported to the Los Angeles County-USC Burn Center where he received skin grafts. Unfortunately, as sometimes happens when someone has received such serious burns, he contracted an infection and died.
According to the complaint, despite Wahl Corporation having recalled nine of its products between the years of 2003 and 2011, the corporation is denying it had anything to do with the death of the teen. Though the business sough summary judgment earlier this year, it was not granted.
The teen apparently was very bright and had a lot going for him. In addition to being an honor student, he was reportedly interested in math and physics, was a jazz musician and enjoyed playing chess. All would likely agree that his promising life ended much too soon.
Source: Studio City Patch, "Lawsuit Set to Begin in Death of Harvard-Westlake Student Blamed on Mustache Trimmer," Mike Szymanski, Aug. 28, 2012
- Deaths resulting from defective products are often difficult to come to terms with. Our firm provides counsel in these types of matters. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Pittsburgh products liability page.