Target’s Hair Dryer Recall: Are Electrocution Injury Lawsuits on the Horizon?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced a recall of approximately 56,300 Remington hair dryers (model number D3190DCDN) sold online through Target, Walmart, and Amazon. This recall, initiated by Empower Brands, stems from a significant electrocution risk due to the absence of an immersion protection device. This critical safety feature is designed to prevent electric shock if the hair dryer falls into water while plugged in. Without it, users face the potential for “death or serious injury from electrocution or shock.” Given this serious hazard, are electrocution injury lawsuits against Target and Empower Brands a possibility?

The Shocking Defect: Understanding the Electrocution Risk

Hair dryers, by their very nature, combine electricity and proximity to water, creating an inherently risky scenario. The absence of an immersion protection device, a standard safety feature in most modern hair dryers, elevates this risk exponentially. This device, typically a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), is designed to cut off power immediately if the appliance comes into contact with water, preventing a potentially fatal electric shock.

The recalled Remington hair dryers, identifiable by their purple color with black accents and three black operating buttons, were sold between March 2024 and June 2025 for $25 to $32. The CPSC emphasizes that these hair dryers pose a significant and immediate danger to consumers.

Target’s Role and Potential Liability

Target, as one of the major retailers selling the recalled hair dryers through its online marketplace, faces potential liability in the event of injuries. Here’s why:

Product Liability: Retailers, including Target, can be held liable for selling defective products that cause injury. This liability extends to products sold through their online marketplaces, even if the products are manufactured by a third party.
Negligence: If Target knew or should have known about the defect in the hair dryers and failed to take reasonable steps to protect consumers, they could be found negligent. This could include failing to properly vet the safety of products sold on their platform or failing to promptly remove the recalled hair dryers from sale.
Breach of Warranty: Consumers who purchased the hair dryers may have a claim for breach of warranty if the product failed to meet the implied warranty of merchantability, which guarantees that a product is safe and fit for its intended purpose.

Could Lawsuits Arise from the Hair Dryer Recall?

While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for electrocution injury lawsuits is real. Here’s a breakdown of factors that could influence the likelihood and nature of such lawsuits:

Severity of Potential Injuries: Electrocution injuries can range from minor shocks and burns to severe internal damage, cardiac arrest, and death. The more severe the injury, the higher the potential damages in a lawsuit.
Number of Affected Consumers: With over 56,000 hair dryers recalled, a significant number of consumers were exposed to the risk. Even if only a small percentage of those consumers suffer injuries, the potential for multiple lawsuits exists.
Class Action Lawsuit: If a large number of consumers suffer similar injuries, a class action lawsuit could be filed against Empower Brands and Target. This type of lawsuit consolidates multiple individual claims into a single case, making it more efficient and cost-effective for plaintiffs.
Individual Lawsuits: Consumers who suffer significant injuries from the recalled hair dryers may choose to file individual lawsuits to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What Legal Recourse Do Consumers Have?

If you or a loved one has been injured by the recalled Remington hair dryer, you may have several legal options:

Product Liability Claim: This type of claim seeks to hold the manufacturer (Empower Brands) and the retailer (Target) liable for damages caused by the defective product.
Negligence Claim: This type of claim alleges that Empower Brands or Target failed to exercise reasonable care in the design, manufacture, or sale of the hair dryer, resulting in your injury.
Breach of Warranty Claim: This type of claim alleges that the hair dryer failed to meet the implied warranty of merchantability, entitling you to damages.

To pursue a legal claim, it’s crucial to:

Seek Medical Attention: Document your injuries and obtain medical records.
Preserve Evidence: Keep the hair dryer (even if damaged), the purchase receipt, and any other relevant documents.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, advise you on your legal options, and represent you in negotiations or litigation.

Advice Moving Forward

The Target hair dryer recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of product safety and the potential consequences of defective products. Consumers who purchased the recalled Remington hair dryer should immediately stop using it and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for obtaining a refund.

If you or someone you know has been injured by the recalled hair dryer, it is essential to seek medical attention and consult with a qualified personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one has suffered an electrocution injury due to a defective product, including the recalled Remington hair dryer, contact our firm today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.