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 June 27, 2024, the CPSC announced the following recalls related to products that present fire hazards:

1. Baseus Magnetic Wireless Charging Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Imported by Shenzhen Baseus Technology. According to the CPSC’s website, “[t]he lithium-ion battery in the power banks can overheat, posing a fire hazard.”
2. Southern Telecom Recalls Brookstone TurboVac Handheld Rechargeable Vacuums Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Belk. According to the CPSC’s website, “[t]he vacuums can short circuit during or after charging the battery, posing a fire hazard.”