Remington Hair Dryer Recall 2025: Electrocution Risk Sparks Potential Lawsuits

Did you recently purchase a Remington hair dryer online? If so, you need to know about a serious safety recall that could put you at risk of electrocution. In August 2025, Empower Brands, in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a recall of approximately 56,300 Remington hair dryers due to a potentially deadly defect. This recall has significant implications, not only for consumers but also for potential personal injury lawsuits.

The Shocking Defect: Lack of Immersion Protection

The recalled hair dryers, sold under the Remington brand with model number D3190DCDN, lack a crucial safety feature: an immersion protection device. This device is designed to cut off power to the appliance if it comes into contact with water, preventing electric shock or electrocution. Without this protection, the CPSC warns that these hair dryers pose a “risk of death or serious injury from electrocution or shock if the hair dryers fall into water while plugged in.”

Identifying the Recalled Hair Dryer

The recalled Remington hair dryers have the following characteristics:

Model Number: D3190DCDN (located on the back handle)
Color: Purple with black accents
Features: Three black operating buttons on the handle, “Remington” written in white on the side
Retailers: Sold exclusively online through Walmart Marketplace, Target Marketplace, and Amazon
Time Period: Purchased between March 2024 and June 2025
Price: Sold for between $25 and $32

What to Do If You Own a Recalled Hair Dryer

If you own one of the recalled Remington hair dryers, stop using it immediately. Follow these steps to receive a full refund:

Unplug the hair dryer: Ensure the device is disconnected from the power outlet.
Cut the cord: Sever the power cord to prevent future use.
Take a photo: Photograph the hair dryer with the cut cord.
Submit the photo: Visit the Remington product recalls website (https://www.remingtonproducts.com/product-recalls) and upload the photo to the recall registration portal.
Follow disposal instructions: Dispose of the hair dryer according to the instructions provided on the website.
Contact Empower Brands: For any questions or concerns, contact Empower Brands toll-free at 1-844-695-2134 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email HairdryerRecall@Spectrumbrands.com.

Electrocution Risks and Hair Dryers: A Dangerous Combination

Hair dryers and water are a dangerous mix. According to the CPSC, electrocution is a significant risk associated with hair dryers, especially when used near water sources like sinks and bathtubs. The absence of an immersion protection device significantly increases this risk, turning a common household appliance into a potential hazard.

Potential Lawsuits: Who is Liable?

While no injuries have been reported yet in connection with this specific Remington hair dryer recall, the potential for harm is undeniable. If someone were to be injured or killed due to the defect, several parties could be held liable in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit:

Empower Brands: As the manufacturer of the hair dryer, Empower Brands has a responsibility to ensure its products are safe for consumers. A failure to incorporate a necessary safety device like an immersion protection device could be grounds for a product liability claim.
Spectrum Brands Inc.: Spectrum Brands Inc. was involved in the manufacturing process.
Retailers (Walmart, Target, Amazon): Retailers that sold the defective hair dryers could also be held liable, particularly if they were aware of the defect and continued to sell the product.

Legal Theories of Liability

Potential lawsuits could be based on several legal theories:

Negligence: This involves proving that the manufacturer or retailer failed to exercise reasonable care in the design, manufacture, or sale of the hair dryer.
Product Liability: This holds manufacturers and sellers liable for injuries caused by defective products, regardless of whether they were negligent.
Breach of Warranty: This involves proving that the hair dryer did not meet the implied warranty of merchantability, which guarantees that a product is safe and fit for its intended purpose.

Damages in a Hair Dryer Electrocution Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective hair dryer, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Lost Wages: This covers income lost due to being unable to work as a result of the injury.
Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Property Damage: This covers any damage to property caused by the electrocution, such as a fire.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.

The Importance of Legal Representation

If you believe you have a potential claim related to the Remington hair dryer recall, it is crucial to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can:

Investigate the accident: Gather evidence to determine the cause of the electrocution and identify all liable parties.
Assess your damages: Calculate the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Negotiate with insurance companies: Handle communications with insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement.
File a lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Statute of Limitations

It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations, which is the time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies by state, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. In California, for example, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years.

Preventing Hair Dryer Electrocution: Safety Tips

While pursuing legal action is important, preventing hair dryer electrocution is even more critical. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Never use a hair dryer near water: Keep hair dryers away from sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs are designed to cut off power in the event of an electrical fault, reducing the risk of electrocution.
Unplug hair dryers when not in use: Don’t leave hair dryers plugged in, even when turned off.
Inspect hair dryers regularly: Check for frayed cords, damaged plugs, and other signs of wear and tear.
Consider hair dryers with immersion protection: When purchasing a new hair dryer, look for models with built-in immersion protection devices.

Conclusion

The Remington hair dryer recall of 2025 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of product safety. The absence of a simple immersion protection device has turned a common household appliance into a potential death trap. If you own one of the recalled hair dryers, take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective hair dryer, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.