On April 14. 2022, Ocean Equipment issued a recall for their Shell Diving Inflation Valves with International Nipples for diving dry suits. According to the recall (number 22-115), an internal part in the valve can malfunction during use; this can result in a loss of inflation and thermal protection, which in turn can pose a risk of hypothermia to the user. The recall has affected over 1,600 units of the product in the U.S. alone.
The recall includes both the valves that were sold with the diving dry suits and sold separately. The following model numbers and batch codes are included in the recall.
- Model number 25210 and Batch Codes JD1, JE2, JE5, JE6, JF6, JG2, JK6, JK9, JKA, JL1, JL3, KA7, KB8, KG2, KH3, KH4, KK7, KL3, LC1, LC2, LC4, LC7, LC9, LD2, LD6, LD7, and LD8
- Model number 25215 and Batch Codes JG1, KA9, and LC5
The model numbers and batch codes can be found stamped on the inside of the valve.
The defective product was sold at Underwater Development (in Tulalip, WA), Underwater Sports (in Seattle, WA), Aquala Diving (in Shreveport, LA), at other dealers and dive centers, and at other manufacturers/distributors nationwide. The recalled products were sold from April 2019 to May 2021. When sold separately, the defective inflation valve was sold for $100 each.
The company has received at least three reports of the valve malfunctioning, resulting in the loss of inflation of the suit; however, the company claims that no injuries have been reported.
The company is urging consumers to stop using dry suits with the recalled inflation valve and to contact the company to return the defective valve for a free repair. If you or a loved one suffered harm due the defective valve, you should not contact the company as they suggested; instead, you should seek legal assistance as soon as possible as you could have grounds to file a defective product lawsuit.
Here at the Normandie Law Firm, we are ready to help you with your defective product claim. Contact us today.
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Possible Harm Resulting from the Defective Product
As explained above, the defective product poses a risk of hypothermia to consumers. Hypothermia can be fatal. Even if victims survive, they can suffer significant harm associated with the hypothermia, which can include the following: pneumonia, issues with heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. If you or a loved one sustained any harm due to the defective valves, it is essential that you seek legal help as soon as possible.
What Should I Do?
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to the defective valve discussed above, you might have many questions, including what to do if you’re injured and what steps to take after being harmed by a defective product, for example. Consider the recommendations listed below:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Take photos of any visible injuries
- Take photos of the defective product
- Keep the defective product as-is in a safe place (ensure that it is not tampered with in any way)
- Contact the company to report the incident caused by their defective product
- Do not agree to a refund
- Do not agree to a free repair
- Do not agree to return the product
- Note: agreeing to a refund, repair, or to a return essentially voids your right to take any legal action against the product manufacturer
- Speak to witnesses and collect their contact information
- Collect any video footage that might have captured the incident
- Gather all relevant medical records
- Gather all records of lost income resulting from the incident
- Find an experienced product liability lawyer to handle your claim
We understand that sometimes it could be very difficult to figure out how to proceed after being harmed by a defective product. Of course, the thought of trying to take legal action against a manufacturer can be intimidating. Here at our law firm, our lawyers are ready to provide you with the guidance that you need.
How Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit on this Case?
How can I be a part of a class action lawsuit on this case? In cases where defective products harm multiple consumers in similar ways, mass torts and class action claims are likely to be pursued. Is there a class action lawsuit already? So far, there isn’t a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be a class action. Can I file a class action lawsuit? Yes, with the help of an experienced class action lawyer, you can actually be the person to start a class action lawsuit. For more information about whether you can take part in a class action lawsuit, contact the experts at our law firm today.
Contact Us Today
Normandie Law Firm is a personal injury law firm with decades of experience handling all sorts of injury claims, including defective product claims. Our lawyers are not afraid to take on any negligent product manufacturer and fight for the rights of our clients. You can trust that we will fight until you recover the compensation that you are owed – including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Here at our firm, we are proud to offer free legal services, which include both free consultations and free second opinions. Whether you want to start or redirect your claim, we can help you. These free legal services are available as part of our Zero-Fee guarantee, which ensures that our clients will never have to worry about paying upfront legal costs.
In addition, our firm works on contingency. This means that our clients will not have to pay legal costs until after they win their claims. If you do not win, you simply will not be responsible for paying anything.
If you are ready to discuss your legal options after being harmed by the defective valves, contact our recall lawyers as soon as possible. Our lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you win.
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