In subrogation cases where the insured’s damages were caused by a defective product, the fact that the product at issue is or was subject to a recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may help to establish that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession and control.  On December 8, 2022, the CPSC announced the following recall related to a product that presents a fire hazard:

Ortal Recalls Gas Fireplaces Due to Fire Hazard

According to the CPSC’s website, “improper installation of the fireplaces can lead to problems with heat release and/or ventilation, posing a fire hazard.”

Product images from the CPSC website are set forth below: