Keurig Reaches Settlement Three Years After Product Recall

In 2014, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) placed a recall on close to 7 million Keurig MINI Plus Brewing systems distressing millions of caffeine drinkers all over the county.  Three years later, a settlement was finally reached as Keurig agreed to pay a $5.8 million civil penalty in hopes to resolve the issue that the company neglected to report a defect in their product within a timely manner.

In December 2014, over 200 reports were filed stating that the water in the MINI Plus Brewing System would over heat and then spray unexpectedly, causing second and even third degree burns to the hands, face, and body. After an investigation, the CPSC uncovered that Keurig was receiving reports about this defect in their product since 2010; one of which outlined an injury report, complete with insurance payouts. The CPSC was not notified of the defects until late 2014.

Along with the $5.8 million payment, Keurig must develop and implement a new compliance program for the company.

When a product functions improperly, it’s up to the manufacturer to fix defects and warn consumers to prevent injury. Unfortunately, warnings and recalls are often not enough to protect users and serious injury or even death can result from a poorly designed or hazardous product.

At Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C., we’ve handled many cases regarding personal injury and dangerous and defective products.  A multitude of situations may be considered personal injury. At their most basic, a personal injury lawsuit can be brought if you have suffered injuries as a result of someone else’s negligent behavior. If you have suffered any type of injury, please call our office at 1-800-471-3980 and one of our attorneys will evaluate your case at no charge.

Source:

Ashlee Kieler, “Keurig to Pay $5.8 Million Over Failure to Report Defective Coffee Brewers,” The Consumerist (February 22, 217). [Link]