The makers of the First Alert brand smoke detector must pay the survivors of a fire more than $7 million in damages. Losing a husband and child, the family sued First Alert and BRK Brands Inc., because the smoke detectors installed in the home failed to go off and alert the family. The family had two of the companies smoke detectors installed in their home and both failed. The detectors were ionization type smoke detectors that sense high temperature, fast moving fires, as opposed to detectors employing photoelectric cells which are better at detecting smoldering fires, like the one involved. A photoelectric smoke detector would detect the smoke from a fire 15 minutes earlier than the ionization type.

During the trial, the jury heard from witnesses who testified that the company was aware of the shortcomings of the ionization only detector but continued to market the product instead of selling only dual detectors. The dual detectors cost from $20 to $25 while the ionization only types sell for $10 to $15.

During this case, 750 complaints from consumers were discovered whose ionization type detectors failed to sound during smoke or fire events. The technology to make dual-sensor smoke detectors has been around since 1979 and it is unconscionable for a company to continue to market an inferior product. At Ward & Caggiano, we believe that consumers deserve safe products and the information to protect themselves and their families. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us online or call 407-244-1212 or Toll Free at 800-381-8299 for your Free Consultation now.