Chainsaws Recalled Because They Might Not Turn Off

Harbor Freight Tools announced the recall of approximately one million of its electric chainsaws due to a malfunctioning power switch. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports the power switch is defective, and can allow the chainsaw to continue running even after the operator has turned the switch to the “Off” position, putting the operator at risk for serious injury.

About 1.02 million 14-inch chainsaws are affected by the recall, and have the brand names Portland, One Stop Gardens, and Chicago Electric. The Portland and One Stop Garden brands are green and black with “Portland” printed on the blades. Chicago Electric is red and black and has “Chicago Electric” on the chainsaw handle. In addition, all three were sold with a black blade guard.

Model numbers for all three are printed on a label on the bottom of the chainsaw, and the affected numbers are as follows:

• Portland Model No. 67255 or 61592
• One Stop Gardens Model No. 67255 or 61592
• Chicago Electric Model No. 67255 or 61592

If you use or own one of these chainsaws, you should stop using it immediately and return it to your nearest Harbor Freight Tools store for a free replacement. Replacement units are available now.

As of this writing, Harbor Freight Tools has received 15 reports of the chainsaw continuing to run after being turned off. Three laceration injuries were reported, including one serious injury requiring stitches.

Defective products and liability

When you’re injured by a product you’ve purchased, you may have a claim for a defective product. As a consumer, when you purchase a product, you have the right to expect that product is reasonably safe to use. It’s true that some products come with inherent risks—like a chainsaw—and manufacturers have an obligation to warn customers about those dangers, so they can protect themselves. For example, most chainsaws come with a blade guard, so you can store and handle the tool safely when it’s not in use.

However, sometimes a manufacturer will put out a dangerous product in the marketplace. This can be anything from a dangerous medicine to a defective tire to a laptop battery that catches on fire. In this case, it’s a chainsaw with a defective power switch that causes the tool to remain on even when turned off. Defective and dangerous products can cause great harm to the innocent consumers who use them.

A manufacturer who puts consumers at risk must be held accountable for their actions. If you’re injured by a defective product, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses, like medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be able to recover for intangible losses like pain and suffering, or disfigurement and scarring from your injury.

The product liability lawyers at Cunningham & Mears have the experience and skill to help you if you suffered injury from a defective product. Contact us at our Oklahoma City offices today and we can answer all your questions. For a free consultation at our offices, call 405-232-1212 or fill out our contact form today.