Houston’s KHOU 11 I-Team recently did an investigation on “pop-up” clothes hampers based on a pattern of people who continue to be seriously injured by these hampers. The I-Team found that such injuries are becoming more common because these hampers contain metal wire that is under constant spring pressure in order to maintain its ability to “pop up.” A long piece of vinyl tubing typically surrounds the end of the wire spring to prevent it from breaking through the fabric, but is not always effective.
Firm Partner Benny Agosto Jr. previously represented Patsy Williams in a case against the manufacturer of a pop-up hamper that permanently injured her eye. Following her purchase of a hamper at Wal-Mart, Williams was removing the packaging when a 10.5-inch section of wire ripped through the surrounding fabric and extended outward nine inches into her right eye.
Since 2009 several people in the United States have reported being seriously injured by pop-up clothes hampers. As a result, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is looking into these injuries to determine whether the safety of this product should be further investigated. Until the CPSC makes a determination, Abraham Watkins encourages you to discontinue use of any pop-up clothes hampers.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective product, contact the attorneys at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211.