On June 11, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Blair LLC, of Warren, Pa., re-announced the recall by Blair of 162,000 women’s full length Chenille Robes. Since the recall was originally announced in April 2009, the manufacturer initially received reports of six deaths due to the robes catching on fire. Five of the six victims were female, and all five were cooking at the time of the incidents.

 

The original recall for the robes was announced after Blair learned of three robes catching on fire, including one report of second-degree burns. Blair was subsequently made aware of the fatalities after the recall was announced and after Blair had sent letters of the recall to consumers who purchased the robes. Consumers were urged to stop wearing the garments immediately in an attempt to prevent future tragic deaths and injuries.

As of October 22, 2009, the highly flammable women’s robes sold by Blair were linked to nine deaths, all related to the full length women’s chenille robes sold by Blair LLC. The products were initially recalled in April by Blair after it learned of three robes catching on fire, including one report of second degree burns. Some of the products failed to meet federal flammability standards and they present a risk of serious burns to consumers if the garments are exposed to an open flame.

The consumer agency and Blair have expanded the recall of women’s full length chenille robes to include more chenille robes and three other chenille products, all made by A-One Textile & Towel, of Karachi, Pakistan, according to a CPSC announcement. About 300,000 units of the garments are now recalled, including the full length women’s chenille robes, women’s chenille jackets, women’s chenille lounge jackets, and women’s chenille tops.

Some deaths linked to the full length women’s chenille robes occurred when the victims were cooking. All nine reported deaths occurred before the April announcement of the recall. The recalled products were sold in Blair catalogs, online and at Blair stores in Warren, Pa.; Grove City, Pa.; and Wilmington, Del., from July 2000 through April 2007.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious burn injuries due to use of flammable robe or other clothing, contact the Boston law office of Swartz & Swartz, P.C..  We will answer your questions and protect your legal rights. Speak with a personal injury lawyer today by calling (617) 742-1900, or toll free outside of Boston, 1-800-545-3732.

About the Author: James Swartz
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Mr. Swartz, our Managing and Principal Attorney at Swartz & Swartz P.C., is a nationally recognized and respected trial attorney as well as consumer advocate. His practice focuses on cases involving negligence, torts, products liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other claims involving catastrophic injuries.

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