One Million Chainsaws Recalled Due to Power Switch Problem

Recently, Harbor Freight Tools announced a recall of approximately one million electric chainsaws because of a malfunctioning power switch. According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, the power switch on the chainsaw can malfunction and allow the saw to continue running—even after the operator has put the switch in the “Off” position. This can put the user at serious risk for injury.

The recall affects chainsaws with the brand names Chicago Electric, One Stop Gardens, and Portland. The Chicago Electric brand is red and black with “Chicago Electric” on the handle, while the other two brands are green and black with “Portland” printed on the blades. All three brands come with a black blade guard.

The recalled model numbers are below, and can be found on a label on the bottom of the chainsaw:

• Chicago Electric Model No. 67255 or 61592
• One Stop Gardens Model No. 67255 or 61592
• Portland Model No. 67255 or 61592

If you have one of these chainsaws, you should stop using it immediately. You can return it to your closest Harbor Freight Tools store and get a free replacement. More information about the Harbor Freight recall is available here.

So far, the company has received about 15 reports of the chainsaw running even after being turned off. Three people have reported laceration injuries, with one injury serious enough to require stitches.

Relationship between defective products and liability

If you purchase a product, and that product injures you, you may have a defective product claim. Consumers have the right to expect that products they purchase are reasonably safe to use. Of course, some products are inherently hazardous to operate—like chainsaws—and manufacturers have a responsibility to warn their customers about potential dangers. A good example is that, even though most of us are aware that chainsaws have sharp blades, most manufacturers provide a blade guard, so we can handle the tool safely.

There are occasions, however, where a manufacturer puts an unsafe or dangerous product out on the market with no warning to consumers. This could be anything from a defective tire to a cellphone battery that catches fire to dangerous prescription drugs. In this specific case, it’s a chainsaw with a malfunctioning power switch.

Any manufacturer who puts consumers at risk because of negligence needs to be held accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one were the victim of a faulty or defective product, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses, including things like medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be able to recover for losses like pain and suffering or disfigurement from situation caused by the manufacturer’s negligence.

The product recall lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC are experienced in the areas of defective products. If you were injured because of a defective product, we can work with you to hold the negligent parties accountable. Call us today at 803-327-7800 or complete our contact form.