Tennessee Hoverboard Lawsuit May Continue

Salesmen in the Roman Empire made a common expression out of a disclaimer: “caveat emptor,” or “let the buyer beware.” Disclaimers have gotten more complicated in modern times, allowing for the fact that the companies producing and distributing goods have a responsibility to keep their customers safe.

These disclaimers are very important if damage or injury due to a defective or dangerous product ends up as the subject of a court case. A person must have been reasonably warned of potential dangers for a company to have no liability in civil court.

A court has ruled that a Tennessee family may press their claim that a major retail company failed to warn them of the dangers of a battery-powered hoverboard. The devices, once popular for transport and recreation, may come with the risk of spontaneous fire. The family is claiming a fire originating with a hoverboard burned down their house.

The defendant investigated these dangers, resulting in the suspension of hoverboard sales along with several other distributors. An email sent to customers listed dangers but made no mention of the possibility of fire due to overheating. One legal question in the case is whether the distributor is to blame as much as the manufacturer.

People who have lost property or suffered injury due to defective products may have a similar case for damages to help with recovery. An attorney can help discuss these issues and the possibility of bringing a case in civil court for financial damages. No one should have to face the consequences of negligent manufacturers and distributors.