Wearable Fitness Tech and Product Liability: What if Your Device Hurts You?
Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and other wearable health devices have become a daily part of life for millions of Americans. From tracking heart rates to logging steps, these gadgets promise to make us healthier and more informed. But what happens when the very device meant to improve your wellness causes an injury?
In recent years, reports of burns, skin reactions, electrical shocks, and even hardware malfunctions linked to wearable technology have raised important legal questions — and product liability may be at the center of the answers.
Common Injuries Linked To Wearable Fitness Devices
While most wearable devices are safe when used as directed, defective products or poor design can cause serious harm. Reported issues include:
- Skin burns from overheated batteries or faulty charging mechanisms
- Rashes and allergic reactions to materials in the band or casing
- Electrical shocks caused by short circuits or water exposure
- Cuts or bruises from sharp edges or defective clasps
- Data malfunction injuries, such as misleading heart rate readings leading to unsafe exercise levels
Understanding Product Liability
In Maine — and across the United States — manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held legally responsible if their product causes injury because it is:
- Defectively designed – the product’s design makes it inherently dangerous, even when used correctly.
- Defectively manufactured – the product was built incorrectly or with substandard materials.
- Marketed without adequate warnings – the company failed to warn consumers about known risks or to provide clear safety instructions.
If a wearable fitness device injures you, product liability law may allow you to recover damages without proving the manufacturer acted negligently — you must only show that the product was defective and caused your injury.
Who Could Be Liable?
Potentially responsible parties include:
- The manufacturer – for design or production defects.
- Component suppliers – if a defective battery or band material came from another company.
- Retailers – for selling a dangerous or recalled product.
- Marketers – if advertising made unsafe or misleading health claims.
What To Do if You’re Injured by a Wearable Device
If your wearable tech causes harm, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Stop using the device immediately and keep it in a safe place.
- Seek medical attention — even if the injury seems minor at first.
- Document everything — take photos of the injury, the device, and any error messages or overheating signs.
- Save receipts, packaging, and manuals — these can be crucial in proving your claim.
- Report the injury to the manufacturer and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting any refunds or signing waivers from the company.
The Role of Recalls
If your injury involves a device that has already been recalled, this can strengthen your case. However, even if the product is not yet on a recall list, your incident may help trigger an investigation — and you may still be entitled to compensation.
Compensation for Wearable Tech Injuries
Victims of defective wearable devices may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disability
- Emotional distress
Bottom Line
Wearable fitness technology can be a great tool for health, but it’s not without risks. If your device causes burns, skin reactions, or other injuries, you have legal rights — and you may be entitled to hold the manufacturer or seller accountable through a product liability claim.
Peter Thompson & Associates has experience helping Maine residents injured by defective products. We fight for fair compensation and hold negligent companies responsible.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt by a defective wearable fitness device, call Peter Thompson & Associates at 1-207-874-0909 or contact us online. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.