Hoverboards, or self-balancing scooters, are becoming more and more popular. However, these devices have been responsible for several injuries, property damage, and tragic deaths in recent years. Contact Kaass Law’s wrongful death attorneys if your loved one died in a fatal hoverboard accident.
Legal Issues Related to a Hoverboard Accident, Fires, and Injuries
Injuries from a hoverboard fire can be severe, potentially fatal, and permanently debilitating. Injuries and damages caused by a hoverboard fire may necessitate the services of a legal team. A hoverboard fire can give rise to a wide range of claims, including:
- Personal injury or wrongful death claims resulting from fire and burn injuries
- Property damage claims (in some cases, home fires caused by hoverboard explosions)
- Manufacturing defect claims
- Design defect claims
These types of claims can result in the victim receiving compensation for expenses such as medical bills and other expenses. Furthermore, the liable party, such as the manufacturer, may be liable for various property damage expenses.
The Surviving Family Member can Get Compensation After a Hoverboard Accident.
A family member has the legal right to sue for the loved one’s wrongful death. Although no money will compensate for the loss, wrongful death damages typically include medical costs, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.
Injured family members may also sue for the following wrongful death damages :
- Medical costs
- Funeral expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Emotional distress (including post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms)
Medical expenses from hoverboard injuries, in particular, can be long-term and expensive. It is critical to retain the legal services of an experienced product liability attorney to obtain just compensation for these injuries.
California Laws and Regulations on Riding Hoverboards
California hoverboard or electrically motorized board riders should know California laws govern its use. Among the rules governing hoverboards in California are the following:
- Hoverboard riders can ride on public highways and roadways with 35 mph or fewer speed limits.
- Hoverboard riders must be 16 or older to ride on public roads/roadways.
- Riders cannot operate hoverboards on a highway, bikeway, or shared path at speeds over 15 mph.
- People, who are using hoverboards, must always wear a helmets
- It is illegal to operate a hoverboard while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any drug
Is the Manufacturer Liable For Hoverboard Accident Wrongful Death?
There have been dozens of recalls due to fires and explosions and ongoing safety concerns with hoverboard designs and programming errors that have resulted in serious injuries and death.
In general, it will be difficult to hold a hoverboard manufacturer liable for an accident while the device performs its intended function. If your loved slipped and fell while using a hoverboard as intended, it’s most likely his fault.
If, on the other hand, there can be cases when the hoverboard malfunctioned, caught fire, or was improperly assembled, that lead to death. Then you may have a strong wrongful death case and get compensation. In these cases, the hoverboard was not performing as intended and posed a lead to the death of your family member.
Who Else Can Be Responsible for Wrongful Death?
Multiple parties may be responsible for wrongful death caused by hoverboards.
-
Batteries manufacture
The manufacturer of the faulty lithium-ion battery is liable for the death caused by the battery’s malfunction.
-
Retailer of hoverboards
Sometimes, the retailer who sold the faulty product may be liable for injuries sustained due to a hoverboard malfunction.
Other parties may be liable for injuries and deaths caused by a defective product, depending on the incident’s circumstances.
Contact Kaass Law Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys Today!
If you or a loved one died because of a malfunctioning product or device, the competent California wrongful death attorneys at Kaass Law are standing by to guide you through the claims process. Call us today at (310) 943-1171 to discuss your case. Take a guide through this link to view our other practices.