Peloton Bike Recall and New York Death
September 15, 2023 in Product Liability
It seems Peloton can’t win. The virtual exercise company took the fitness world by storm when its original Peloton Bike exploded in popularity throughout the pandemic. While the bike itself launched in 2013, the company’s sales went through the roof for their product’s ability to bring boutique fitness into the home when most of the world was stuck inside. It expanded its offerings to include cardio, yoga, and meditation through its app, but problems started soon after the company launched its treadmill in 2021. The product was recalled shortly after its launch following a toddler’s death and 90 associated injuries. Since then, negative publicity, including production issues, seat recalls, and most recently, a death in New York, has plagued the company.
Below, the New York personal injury lawyers at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. discuss the events and how product liability law may be related.
New York Man’s Family Says Peloton Bike ‘Instantly’ Killed Him
According to reporting by NBC News, a 32-year-old New York man was doing a core workout last year when he got off his Peloton bike to do floor exercises nearby. As he got up, he used the bike to steady himself. The family alleges in a lawsuit filed in Brooklyn Civil Supreme Court that the bike spun around, severing his carotid artery and instantly killing him.
In the lawsuit, the deceased’s mother says the bike is “defective and unreasonably dangerous in design, instruction, and warning.” She is seeking payment from the company to cover her son’s final health care expenses, funeral and burial costs, and damages for her own pain and suffering. Meanwhile, Peloton representatives say the user’s negligence is to blame for the injury.
The First Death, but not the First Injury
While this is the first reported death associated with using a Peloton bike, it is not the first injury. Elements of the original Bike sold from January 2018 to May 2023 were recalled in May because its seat post can unexpectedly detach and break during use. The Tread+ was recalled shortly after its launch after a child died and 90 others were injured.
The New York case has not been decided yet, but at SPBMCC, we believe holding companies accountable for their actions is essential. Our legal team understands product liability law, especially in cases where death results from the faulty design of a product. We stand ready to help you submit a product liability claim.
Injured by a Defective Product? You Need a Lawyer.
At SPBMCC, we understand that consumers expect the products they purchase will perform as promised and without doing them harm. Companies have a duty to recall products when they fail to perform or cause harm. Our experienced legal team dedicates themselves to advocating for victims and their rights. If you or a loved one has experienced an injury or death following the use of exercise equipment, or another product, we encourage you to contact us for a confidential consultation.
Our New York attorneys at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. stay up-to-date on local laws and regulations to best serve victims. Please contact our team of attorneys by calling (212) 732-9000.
This article was sourced from multiple outlets, including the Peloton website, NBC News, and the NY Post.