Sevca LLC. is issuing a defective product recall for 94,000 Sevylor Tow Behinds with Quick Hitch connectors. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the Quick Hitch, which connects the towable to the boat, can break and project pieces of the plastic Quick Hitch back to the boat. If this happens, individuals can be struck and there is the potential for serious personal injury. The company has apparently received one report of a boat occupant being struck by a piece of Quick Hitch still attached to the towrope. This product recall involves Sevylor Tow Behinds with Quick Hitches manufactured between 2005 and 2009. These defective products were made in China and sold in department and retail stores nationwide from January 2005 through December 2008 for between $50 and $240.

Consumers are asked to stop using these recalled tow behinds right away and contact Sevca LLC. at (800) 356-3612 to get instructions on how to remove the Quick Hitch from their tow behind and use their tow behind without the Quick Hitch. Consumers will receive a tow rope for returning the Quick Hitch.

I’m glad that this product manufacturer is recalling these tow behinds, which obviously pose a risk of serious injury to users. One does wonder why the company waited so long before issuing this product recall. Where there is a risk of serious injury, product manufacturers have a duty to make consumers aware of that risk immediately.

As Orange County product liabilities attorneys, we have represented a number of clients over the years who have been involved in boating accidents and watercraft accidents. Most accidents are caused by collisions or another boater’s or jet ski operator’s negligence. But serious injuries can also occur because of defective products.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a watercraft accident or boating accident and you suspect it may have been caused by a defective product, please contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer to find out more about your legal rights and options. Please remember that you would always be well-advised to preserve whatever product caused your injury so it can be carefully examined by an expert for product defects, malfunction or other evidence.