The Dangers of Defective Dishwashers

For many people, their dishwasher is an essential kitchen appliance. Not only are they very convenient to have around, they’re probably also not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of potentially dangerous things you have in your kitchen. But if a dishwasher is defective, it can be much more than an inconvenience – there can be serious safety issues at hand. 

Fire Hazards

In a 2012 article by Consumer Reports, they discuss a study they did into defective home appliances and state that over 15 million appliance units had been recalled over the previous five years for defects that could cause a fire – and almost half of those recalled units were dishwashers. 

The reason for why the number of fire-related defects has gotten so high can be blamed on a few different factors. Some experts point out that appliance design, in general, has become more complex while product quality can suffer from manufacturers using components made by vendors from other countries, where there may be language barriers in communication about product design or quality. In the Consumer Reports article, they state that 4 out of 5 recalled products reviewed in their study were products made outside of the United States. With dishwashers, faulty wiring and circuit boards are two things that can potentially spark a fire. 

Tip Over Hazards

In addition to the risk of product fires, dishwashers can also have a tip over risk if not installed properly. Many household products, like appliances and dressers, can be considered a tip over risk if it’s designed in a way that affects its stability, such as if it has a top-heavy design or a small footprint. In the case of kitchen appliances like dishwashers, product instability can become a tip-over hazard when the door is open or when someone is loading/unloading the machine. 

Because of this, dishwashers should be installed so that it is securely held in place. In product tip-over cases, anyone can potentially get injured as the product falls, but young children in particular have a high risk of serious injury.  

Contact a Michigan Defective Product Lawyer

If you’ve been injured by a defective product, it’s important to have a lawyer on your side who can help. These types of cases can be complex. Product manufacturers typically have legal teams working on their behalf and very often, laws are set up to protect the manufacturer from liability. At Scott Goodwin Law, you’ll be able to speak to a defective product lawyer who knows the law, can help you understand your rights, and can work to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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