Single-use laundry packets may be a simple and convenient way to wash clothing. However, these laundry products also pose a certain risk to some individuals. Proctor & Gamble Co. (PG) is currently facing three Ohio products liability suits after individuals were injured by its Tide Pods products.
A Nov. 2014 study published in a medical journal found that single-use laundry packets sent an average of one child per day to the hospital in both 2012 and 2013. During that time period, poison control centers reported over 17,000 calls from parents whose children had confused the packets with candy or toys. These encounters often resulted in a dose of concentrated detergent being shot into the child’s mouth or eyes.
PG claims that it has changed the packaging of its Tide Pods in an effort to make them more child resistant. However, the company has not admitted liability for the injuries in any of the suits. One lawsuit was filed by the parents and guardians of 13 children under 6 years old, claiming that the laundry packets caused serious injuries to their children. Another suit was filed by the estate of an elderly man, and the estate claims wrongful death in addition to product liability. The third suit was not discussed in detail.
As these three products liability suits continue through the civil proceedings, it is possible that more suits could follow. Any Ohio resident who has been injured by a dangerous household product such as a single-use laundry packet could also file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the product. A claim for damages could be made with regard to any serious injuries suffered.
Source: wcpo.com, “Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) fights three product lliability lawsuits over Tide Pods“, Dan Monk, April 7, 2015