Samsung Electronics Co. is halting sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note 7 after fires and explosions from overheating batteries persist in the revamped version of the phone produced as the replacement for those recalled in September for fires and explosions. The company is also warning customers who own the phones to power them down and stop using them.
In a statement today, Samsung said it is working with “working diligently with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available.”
In mid-September 2016, after 92 incidents of overheating batteries that exploded or caught fire causing 26 injuries and 55 cases of property damage were reported, Samsung issued a recall for 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 phones. Thinking the problem had been solved, Samsung began a trade-in program but reports of explosions and fires persisted.
In one incident, a Galaxy Note 7, issued as a replacement for the recalled version of the device, exploded during the boarding process of Southwest Airlines Flight in Louisville. No injuries were reported, but the incident generated enough smoke to force the evacuation of the plane and cancel the flight to Baltimore.
Other incidents where the phones exploded or caught fire did result in injuries including one man who suffered second and third-degree burns to his upper right leg that required skin graft surgery.
Burns from fire originating from lithium-ion batteries can be severe and difficult to treat and can result in complications, including infection. Treatment for these burns can include skin grafts, plastic surgery, specialized dressings, ointments and creams; and physical or occupational therapy.
Companies sued in product liability cases include the manufacturer of the defective product, the wholesaler or distributor of the product and often the retailer of the product. If you have been injured by a defective Galaxy Note 7 phone, contact our experienced attorneys for a free consultation.
Sources:
www.nytimes.com/2016/10/11/business/samsung-galaxy-note-fires.html
http://www.wsj.com/articles/samsung-to-halt-galaxy-note-7-production-temporarily-1476064520
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/10/10/samsung-temporarily-halt-galaxy-note-7-output-yonhap-reports/
http://www.ibtimes.com/samsung-galaxy-note-7-minnesota-teens-replacement-device-catches-fire-2428526