On September 9, 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) posted a recall notice for over 70,000 shower benches sold at Costco after it was determined that they could collapse during use. There have been 81 reported incidents of the Ivena brand shower benches breaking, collapsing, or falling apart during use. At least four people were injured as a result of these incidents, including a fractured tailbone as well as head injuries and significant bruises to the body. The recall notice indicates that “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shower benches and return them to Costco for a full refund.” Costco is also contacting purchasers directly regarding the recall.
The 20-inch teak shower benches were sold at Costco clubs nationwide and on their website (Costco.com) from October 2018 through June 2021. This is just one of the numerous recall notices issued by Costco in recent months. On August 27, 2021, Costco issued a recall notice for 862,000 pounds of Fratelli Beretta Uncured Antipasto after three dozen Salmonella cases were reported. On August 6, 2021, Costco issued a recall notice for dehumidifiers manufactured by New Widetech Industries and sold under the AeronAir, Whirlpool, Danby, and DeLonghi brands after numerous reports of incidents that resulted in a fire and/or smoke. Customers were instructed to stop using these dehumidifiers immediately given their propensity to catch fire and pose fire and burn hazards. If you have been injured by a product, the lawyers at Abraham Watkins can assist you.