In the last few weeks, several reports have exposed a growing frequency of injuries resulting from the use of NutriBullet power blenders. Harford, P.C., is now investigating personal injury and consumer fraud actions against the manufacturer and retailers of the product.
What is a NutriBullet?
NutriBullet is a blender manufactured by Homeland Housewares, LLC and distributed by Nutribullet LLC, available for purchase by consumers in the United States and overseas. It operates by smashing and blending fruit, vegetables and nuts into breakfast drinks. The product promotes itself to consumers by its ability to extract nutrition from foods, providing an easy mechanism to consume foods like spinach, berries and beets.
The blender is sold under four different device types—NutriBullet, NutriBullet Pro, NutriBullet Lean, and NutriBullet Rx. It generally retails between $79.99 and $149.99 and is available directly from the manufacturer, through infomercials, or by purchase from retailers such as Kohl’s, Walmart, or Costco.
What are the dangers associated with NutriBullet?
Recent reports have claimed the device may spontaneously explode causing severe burns, blisters, and cuts. Consumers have also reported that the blades in the blender may arbitrarily accelerate causing the device to begin to smoke.
A July 2014 study published by Consumer Reports additionally exposed more concerns about the product. The study concerned a stress test where seven large ice cubes were used in the blender 45 times to simulate rigorous use. The blades broke on separate units during the durability test. This resulted in broken blade fragments that could be small enough to hide in a blended beverage. Due to this potential dangerous health risk, Consumer Reports rated the NutriBullet Pro as a “Don’t Buy: Safety Risk.”
The internet is also filled with a seemingly myriad reports of consumer dissatisfaction with the operation of the device. The reports run the gamut from consumers complaining of broken blades, overheating, the device filling with smoke, or the blender exploding.
A number of lawsuits have already been filed alleging permanent injuries, scars, and disfigurement from the use of the device. It is anticipated that many more lawsuits will follow in the coming months.
What are my options?
Harford, P.C., is investigating consumers who have been injured by NutriBullet blenders in the United States. The firm is also examining a potential class action lawsuit on behalf of consumers who purchased defective NutriBullet products.
If you or someone you know has been harmed by the purchase of a NutriBullet device, please call us today for a free consultation at (212) 390-8983. You can also complete the information box to the right and we will contact you immediately.
