Paralysis and other injuries resulting from using weightlifting equipment from Cybex Smith Press has triggered the recall of 15,000 units manufactured between 1989 and 2009. The news of the recall was officially announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on August 29, 2018.
Recall details
The plate-loaded weightlifting equipment is primarily used by commercial fitness clubs and exercise facilities. The recall is specific to the Model 5340 made between 1989 and 1993 and the Model 5341 made between 1993 and 2009. The model number is on the side of the Smith Press equipment.
Both models feature a weight bar located between two parallel vertical tracks (one track on either side of the user). The bar set on latch pins moves up and down for the workout of the upper and lower body. The Smith Press bar is sold separately from the weights for a cost of $1,000 to $3400. The injuries occurred when the weight bar fell on top of the user sometimes causing paralysis or spinal fractures.
The company responds
The Minnesota-based Cybex is the manufacturer and distributor of the gear. In response to 27 documented cases of injury, the company is actively reaching out to customers to provide refunds, replacements or repairs of the equipment. It also provides support information on their website.
The company will still need to do more The manufacturer should be applauded for providing information about the gear in question. It is willing to replace or repair the gear or provide a refund, but these damages to the victims are serious with long-term repercussions. An attorney with experience addressing the sales, distribution and manufacturing of faulty products can be a tremendous asset in gaining compensation for the injured.
