Lawsuit alleges all Fitbit devices are prone to burning users

In March, Fitbit recalled over a million units of its Ionic smartwatch after reports of overheating and burn injuries. Now, a new lawsuit (via The Verge) against the Google-owned brand alleges that all Fitbit devices are dangerous fire hazards and prone to burning users.

The complaint has been filed by two Fitbit users who own devices from the brand’s Versa lineup, specifically the Fitbit Versa Lite and Versa 2. According to the court documents, all Fitbit wearables share the same flaw as the Ionic that renders them unusable during periods of overheating.

“Reasonable consumers, like Plaintiffs, purchase the Products to burn calories — not their skin — and to safely pursue a healthy lifestyle with the aid of a smartwatch,” the complaint reads.

The complaint shows pictures of users who got burn injuries from devices like the Sense, Versa 3, Blaze, and more. Overall, the complaint alleges defects in the Fitbit Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, Charge 4, Versa Lite, Ionic, Sense, Alta HR, Inspire, Inspire HR, Inspire 2, and Blaze. That’s almost the entire portfolio of Fitbit wearables.

The lawsuit also claims that when customers contact Fitbit about the safety risk, the company attempts to “wash away” the harm by shifting the blame to consumer hygiene rather than focusing on its “defective products.”

Additionally, the case against Fitbit seeks to help Ionic users receive the full refund that the company promised at the time of the recall. It notes that Fitbit is suppressing refunds by “using methods and techniques that make it difficult for consumers to receive compensation for their defective watches.”

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