In response to mandatory state and local lockdowns during the COVID pandemic, countless people have invested in expanding their own home gyms to continue to maintain or improve their fitness. While home gyms provide convenience to owners who want to avoid gym fees and crowds, they may also introduce unexpected dangers. Peloton, the wildly popular company that sells stationary bikes and other gym equipment recently recalled roughly 125,000 of its Tread and Tread+ treadmills per recommendation from the Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC) due to reported injuries from the machine and even a death. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a malfunction with the treadmill, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries in addition to a refund for the machine.
Why Are The Tread and Tread+ Treadmills Being Recalled?
On April 17, 2021, the CPSC issued an urgent warning to consumers who used the treadmill machines, warning that there were at least 39 reported incidents of injuries involving the treadmill. The injuries that they described included children, pets, and objects being unexpectedly pinned under a treadmill. At the time, Peloton believed the warning to be “inaccurate and misleading” and did not take any immediate action. Less than 2 weeks and many additional reported injuries later, the CPSC amended their original statement with a stronger finding.
On May 5, 2021, the CPSC formally announced a recall for Peloton Tread treadmills, model TR02 along with the Peloton Tread+. The CPSC alerts consumers that children and pets have been injured or killed after being pulled underneath the Tread+ deck. In addition, there are separate reports from consumers that the touchscreen on the Peloton Tread that is attached to the treadmills can detach and fall also causing injury. To date, at least 1 child has died and over 70 people have reported that they sustained injuries while using the treadmill. Injuries include broken bones, lacerations, abrasions, and death amongst others.
I Own One Of These Treadmills. What Should I Do Next?
If you currently own one of these recalled treadmills, the CPSC is encouraging consumers to stop using the treadmills immediately to help prevent any potential injury. The CPSC notes that Peloton will issue full refunds to owners who purchased the recalled Tread+ until November 6, 2022. If your refund is not submitted by this date, then Peloton has indicated that they will only issue partial refunds for the machine. If you’d prefer not to return your machine, Peloton has also offered to move the Tread+ to a room not used by children or pets at no charge. Peloton has urged anyone who purchased the Peloton Tread to stop using the machine and request a refund or wait for a complimentary inspection of the machine and repair.
When Should I Contact An Attorney?
Several lawsuits and class action suits have been filed against Peloton as a result of the injuries that these machines have caused, some acknowledging Peloton’s reluctance to immediately recall their product when the CPSC originally issued the April warning.. If you have owned one of these treadmills and experienced an injury while using it, you may be entitled to receive damages for your injuries. Our team has extensive experience advocating on behalf of our clients to fight for what they deserve. Contact Altman & Altman today for a free consultation with a member of our team. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss the details of your case and how we may be able to support you in seeking the damages that you deserve.