News
iPod touch blamed for fire in OH lawsuit
A Cincinnati, OH mother is suing Apple and 10 unnamed employees from the Apple retail store in Kenwood Towne Centre claiming that her son’s iPod touch caught fire in his pants pocket. According to Ars Technica, the suit claims that the device was off when it made a popping noise and the boy noticed a burning sensation, only to stand up and discover his pants were on fire. The child was found to have second-degree burns from the incident. “He continues to suffer from both physical and mental conditions which will cause him to suffer pain, mental distress, emotional distress, and otherwise for the rest of his life,” the lawsuit claims. Apple and its 10 employees are accused of gross negligence and recklessness; the suit is requesting compensatory damages totaling more than $75,000, as well as punitive damages of more than $75,000, and attorney fees.
Related Stories
- Apps: Can Knockdown 3, eBay 3.0/2.3, Jungle Book + Sonic the Hedgehog 2.0
- Apple patent filing uses multiple devices to light a scene
- Google: iOS Hangouts, new Maps, Music All Access + More
- In-flight e-device guidelines still up in the air
- Watch ABC app streams live TV programming
- Apps: 1Password, Amazon Cloud Drive Photos, Hue + Running with Friends
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- iLounge Weekly arriving Monday, giveaway reminder
- Report: BBM iOS app won’t support iPad at launch
- Report: iRadio might miss WWDC debut
- Fair Labor Assoc.: Foxconn, Apple still exceed work hours
- CW to bring content to Apple TV
- Moshi debuts aluminum USB Cable with Lightning Connector
- Cook talks Apple’s taxes ahead of Senate testimony
- iLuv intros Aud 5 Lightning speaker dock for iPhone 5
- Apps: Can Knockdown 3, eBay 3.0/2.3, Jungle Book + Sonic the Hedgehog 2.0
- Apple releases iTunes 11.0.3 with new Mini Player
Recent Reviews
- BlueFlame 2M Charge and Sync Cable with Lightning Connector
- HMDX Jam Party Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Speaker
- Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote Control
- MyCharge Freedom 2000 Battery Case for iPhone 5
- Nike Nike+ FuelBand
- OCDesk OCDock for iPhone 5
- Bluelounge MiniDock (With Lightning Connector)
- Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Pro
- PhoneSuit Flex Pocket Charger
- Olloclip Quick-Flip Case + Pro-Photo Adapter for iPhone 5
Recent Articles
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
- Backing up and restoring an iPod classic
- Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode
- Retaining older versions of Apps during an iOS Restore
- Can’t eject iPod nano without closing Firefox
- Can’t change iTunes Apple ID to iCloud e-mail address
- Effect of erasing an iPhone on the Find My iPhone feature
1
right… ipods just sudenly combust in pants pockets….
btw Ars Technica is investigating a pants fire?lolz
Posted by mistermark on March 16, 2009 at 8:07 AM (PST)
2
Even if the story is true, why would this woman sue Apple Store employees who have nothing to do with product design or manufacturing? Suing a corporation is one thing, but suing retail store employees for something they clearly had nothing to do with is just wrong.
Posted by Leopold Bloom on March 16, 2009 at 8:12 AM (PST)
3
As long as the employees were on the clock, I don’t see them being in any kind of financial trouble. I question how 10 employees could possibly be involved with the sale of a single Shuffle.
I smell a hysterical mother wanting revenge for the harm done to her “baby”.
A short circuit from a laptop battery I could see causing a fire. But what is the size of Shuffle’s battery, and what abuse must in endure to cause any kind of obvious reaction?
Posted by jwc110869 on March 16, 2009 at 8:29 AM (PST)
4
I could see short because a coin touched the connectors just right?
Posted by J on March 16, 2009 at 9:21 AM (PST)
5
The boy is clearly a liar. His pants being on fire are a clear indication of such.
Posted by protobiont on March 16, 2009 at 11:22 AM (PST)
6
picture? video? anything??
Posted by Stere0123 on March 16, 2009 at 7:04 PM (PST)
7
““He continues to suffer from both physical and mental conditions which will cause him to suffer pain, mental distress, emotional distress, and otherwise for the rest of his life,” the lawsuit claims.”
It will? Maybe in a few months he will have forgotten all about it.
I fell off my bike and cracked my head on the kerb when I was 6 or 7. Maybe I should sue the bike maker for 45 years of mental and emotional distress.
I also got blown up when working on a gas central heating system - darn, I could have sued my employer for the facial burns and the years of ‘otherwise’ I have suffered….
Posted by Bob Levens in UK on March 17, 2009 at 6:37 AM (PST)