EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — WPRI 12 in East Providence, RI reports that 270,000 soft vinyl covers used with a motorized awning from Sunsetter must be recalled because the awnings could open without warning and inflict serious injuries that could result in death. One person has already died, and six other people sustained injuries from the malfunctioning motorized awning and cover combination. Overall, SunSetter received 14 complaints about the motorized awnings springing open unexpectedly. 

According to information provided by WPRI 12, the Consumer Product Safety Commission publicized the dangers of the motorized awning and cover. The Commission said that the bungee tie-downs hold the cover over the awning. However, if the cover is on, and the motor is accidentally switched on, then the awning could spring open if the tie-downs are removed. There is no danger if the motor is not switched on. Additionally, the recall only pertains to covers designed explicitly for the motorized awning and not the mechanical awning.

The man who died from his injuries while using the awning was perched on a ladder on top of a balcony while removing the tie-downs. The motorized awning sprung to life once the doomed man removed the tie-downs and knocked him off of the ladder. 

Consumers who own the SunSetter Motorized, Motorized XL, Pro, or Pro XL must contact SunSetter directly to obtain a repair kit for your vinyl cover and awning. The company will provide consumers with a safety clip and instructions on how to install the clips safely. Also, the company will provide expert instructions on how to remove the bungee tie-downs. The Consumer Product Safety Commission insists that customers do not open their motorized awnings. 

SunSetter sold the recalled covers for about $100.00. The company also gave away many of the recalled covers as part of a promotional program. The company produced the recalled awning covers from 1999 until January 2019. 

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to a defective SunSetter Motorized, Motorized XL, Pro, or Pro XL motorized awning, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 1-800-510-0750 for your free consultation with an experienced product liability lawsuit lawyer . That’s (888) 998-4284. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case.