Frigidaire is issuing a defective product recall for 200,000 smooth-top electric ranges sold under the Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore Elite brand names because they pose a fire hazard. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the surface heating elements, depending on the model, can either turn on spontaneously without being switched on or fail to turn off after being switched off. These defective stoves can also heat to different temperatures other than those selected. Frigidaire has apparently received 126 reports of incidents including four reports of burn injuries and two reports of property damage. The defective product recall involves Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore Elite smooth-top electric ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays.

Defective Products Can Cause Serious Injuries

These faulty cooking ranges were made in the United States and sold at Sears and other national retailers from June 2001 through August 2009 for between $1,000 and $2,500. Consumers who own these products are asked to stop using them right away and contact Frigidaire at (800) 449-9812. Owners can then schedule a free repair of their defective appliance.

I'm glad Frigidaire has issued this defective product recall. However, it concerns me that the recall has come a little late as the stoves have been sold over the last eight years. In such cases, one has to wonder whether the company issued a prompt recall or knew for a long time about these defects and continued to sell the defective products despite the knowledge that they could seriously injure consumers.

California Products Liability Attorneys

As California products liability attorneys, we know that in many cases, companies do not issue prompt recalls. Whether it's a vehicle defect or any other product defect, what we first see is denial and then delay on the part of the manufacturer and also in accepting that their product is defective. In some cases, such delays can be devastating or even deadly. Product makers shy away from recalls for a variety of reasons including the high costs usually associated with such recalls, the bad publicity that often accompanies them and the adverse effect it could have on the company's profits.

That's why, if you've been injured as a result of a defective product, you would be well-advised to consult a California personal injury lawyer--whether the product has been recalled or not. If you were injured because of a product defect, the manufacturer of that product can be held liable for your injuries, loss and/or damages. You could seek compensation to cover medical costs, loss of earnings and other related damages. The best products liability law firms always offer a free and comprehensive initial consultation to injured victims and their families.