LOS ANGELES (CN) - Lasko Products and retailers CVS Pharmacy and Longs Drugs hid reports that Lasko box fans caused fires and delayed a recall of 5.6 million of the dangerous fans, a woman claims in Superior Court.
Carla Kravet says the defendants received 42 reports of the fans overheating, melting or catching fire between 2002 and 2005, but refused to issue a recall until 2006.
Kravet says she was hurt by a malfunctioning fan in October 2008.
She claims the federal government held the defendants liable for "fraudulently concealing the reporting of defects."
Despite the recall, the defendants "failed to correct the defects and failed to warn persons endangered thereby," the complaint states.
Kravet demands medical expenses, lost wages and punitive damages. She is represented by Lawrence Grassini.
Follow @@karinapdxSubscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.