Apple Inc. announces potentially harmful battery in certain iPods

The electronics and software giant Apple Inc. is known for a number of different reasons. But one reason their name has become a household name is because of the digital music player, the iPod.

As the iPod evolved, so did the music player’s functionality. People young and old now use iPods to listen to music, podcasts, watch movies and much more. But recently Apple Inc. made an announcement that impacts a number of consumers: certain iPod Nanos can potentially be dangerous products.

Specifically, iPod Nanos purchased between September 2005 and December 2006 could harm a user. Apple Inc. has warned that owners need to stop using their music player because it could may overheat. Apparently, the problem is in the battery. Some of the Nanos have batteries that are defective.

Apple Inc. has voluntarily offered to replace defective Nanos if consumers send them in. People who believe their iPod contains a defective battery can check on Apple’s website to be certain before asking for a replacement. At this point it seems like there have been few if any reported injuries related to overheating. However by announcing the potential issue and encouraging iPod owners to send back possibly harmful products, Apple Inc. can minimize future injuries.

But not all dangerous products are recalled before injuries occur. In fact, some recalls only occur because someone was seriously injured or killed. In those situations, victims and their families can seek compensation for expenses that resulted from the injury or death.

However suing a company over a defective product does not simply mean monetary compensation. In many instances, a lawsuit can hold the company accountable for endangering the public and help prevent future defective products from making their way into homes and stores.

Source: Forbes: “iPod People Problems: Apple Will Replace Some First Generation iPod Nanos,” Nov. 13, 2011