The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has just issued a press release regarding the $2 million civil penalty facing Philips Lighting North America Corp. The well-known lighting company has agreed to pay the penalty in association with settling charges that the company knowingly failed to report defective products, as required by federal law. They reportedly had information about the defective lamps and knew they posed an unreasonable risk of serious injury to consumers.
Defective EnergySaver Marathon and Marathon Classic Lamps
It took numerous complaints about the defective lamps, EnergySaver (“Marathon” or Marathon Classic”) compact fluorescent lamps, for the company to address the problem. The glass was separating from the bodies of these lamps and striking people and objects. Philips failed to report the issue to the CPSC, and there were subsequently no less than 10 reports of lacerations and seven reports of property damage associated with the defective lamps.
Philips to Clean up Act
In addition to the civil penalty, Philips has also agreed to implement and maintain a safety program to ensure compliance with federal laws. They will have to include written standards and policies and ensure that all necessary reports and complaints are properly reported. They will have to address senior management responsibility for oversight and compliance, in addition to record retention and confidential employee reporting of compliance concerns.
Defective Products Injuries in California
It’s no secret that dangerous, defective and faulty products cause serious, catastrophic and even fatal injuries in the State of California and across the nation. Unfortunately, we’re still seeing many large corporations failing to comply with federal safety regulations. Who can consumers count on? If a defective or faulty product has injured you, the company, manufacturer or retailer needs to be held accountable. You need a lawyer with proven product liability case experience. Your attorney can be your advocate, take on the large corporations and fight for you and your family.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one because of a defective or faulty product, contact the experienced product liability lawyers at Alexander Law Group, LLP at 888.777.1776 for a free consultation.
