Injured by a Defective Power Washer? We Can Help
Ryobi has recalled nearly 780,000 electric pressure washers across North America. Out of that total, 764,000 were sold in the United States and another 16,000 were sold in Canada.
The affected models include:
- RY142300 (2300 PSI)
- RY142711VNM (2700 PSI)
These washers were sold between July 2017 and June 2024 in major stores and outlets across Pennsylvania and the rest of the country. Many homeowners bought them for regular tasks like cleaning siding, decks, patios, or cars.
What these families didn’t know is that a hidden defect inside the washer put them at risk of severe Power Washer Injuries.
The Technical Defect at the Heart of the Recall
Inside every electric pressure washer is a capacitor, a part that stores and releases bursts of electricity to help the motor start and run smoothly.
In the recalled Ryobi washers, the capacitor is defective. During normal use, it can overheat. When the temperature and pressure inside build up too much, the capacitor can burst or explode.
When this happens, fragments of metal or plastic can fly outward at high speed. These pieces are sharp and fast enough to cause deep cuts, broken bones, or eye injuries.
This type of failure doesn’t give a warning. The washer may appear to work normally until the sudden moment it explodes.
Reports of Injuries and Explosions
The recall was not issued lightly. It came after:
- Over 130 reports of overheating problems.
- More than 40 reports of actual capacitor explosions.
- At least 32 confirmed injuries, many of them severe.
People using the washers suffered injuries such as:
- Broken bones in hands, fingers, and facial areas.
- Deep lacerations that required stitches or surgeries.
- Eye trauma, including partial or permanent vision loss.
- Facial fractures and head injuries.
These are not isolated accidents. They are repeated events, showing that the washers are unsafe in households across the country, including here in Pennsylvania.
Why Power Washers Are Especially Dangerous
Pressure washers are powerful by design. They spray water at 2,000 to 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). That pressure is strong enough to strip paint, clean concrete, and cut through tough grime.
But that same force can slice into skin, damage nerves, or blind an eye in seconds.
When a defect is added—like a capacitor that overheats and explodes—the danger grows much worse. A defective washer can cause:
- Flying shrapnel from broken parts.
- Uncontrolled water spray hitting people or electrical outlets.
- Sudden jerks that knock users off ladders or slippery surfaces.
- Overheating that leads to burns.
A tool meant for household chores becomes a machine that can cause lasting injuries.
Types of Power Washer Injuries Reported
At Philly Injury Lawyer, we know firsthand how dangerous defective products can be. Victims of this recall have suffered:
- Severe cuts and lacerations – Some deep enough to require emergency surgery.
- Bone fractures – Hands, fingers, arms, and facial bones often take the impact of flying parts.
- Eye damage – From debris and water spray, sometimes leading to permanent blindness.
- Head trauma – Caused by falling backward or forward after losing control.
- Burns – From overheated parts or sudden bursts of hot material.
- Electric shocks – When water sprays onto outlets, cords, or other live electrical components.
These injuries can leave people unable to work, unable to care for themselves, and facing months or years of recovery.
Who May Be Legally Responsible
When a defective product injures someone in Pennsylvania, more than one party may be held accountable:
- The Manufacturer (Ryobi and its parent company)
They designed, built, and sold the washer. They are the first and most obvious responsible party. - Retailers
Stores that sold the washers—both large chains and local outlets—may also be liable, especially if they failed to remove recalled units quickly. - Component Suppliers
If a third party manufactured the defective capacitor, they too may share responsibility for the injuries caused. - Distributors
Companies in the chain of distribution may also be held accountable under Pennsylvania’s product liability laws.
Each of these groups profited from selling these washers. When their product injures consumers, they can and should be held responsible.
Pennsylvania Product Liability Law
Pennsylvania has strong laws protecting consumers injured by defective products.
- Strict Liability Rule – Under Pennsylvania law, manufacturers can be held liable even if they weren’t negligent. All you must prove is that the product was defective and that defect caused your injury.
- Types of Defects Covered – This includes design defects, manufacturing defects, and failures to warn. The Ryobi recall is a clear example of a manufacturing defect.
- Compensation Available – Injured victims may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Statute of Limitations – You must file a product liability or personal injury claim in Pennsylvania within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline may bar you from recovering compensation.
Because the law is strict, it’s essential to take action quickly.
Why a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Critical
Manufacturers and their insurers move fast after a recall. They may offer free repair kits or replacement parts, but those don’t cover the injuries already caused.
Insurance companies often try to:
- Blame the victim by suggesting they misused the product.
- Minimize the seriousness of injuries.
- Offer settlements that only cover a fraction of the costs.
A personal injury lawyer levels the playing field. At Philly Injury Lawyer, we:
- Preserve the defective washer as evidence.
- Work with engineers to prove the defect.
- Collect medical records and expert opinions.
- Calculate the true cost of your injuries—both today and in the future.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers and corporations.
- Take cases to trial when necessary.
Our mission is simple: to make sure victims are not left carrying the financial and emotional burden of corporate negligence.
Real-Life Accident Scenarios
To see just how dangerous these washers are, consider a few real-world examples:
- A Pennsylvania homeowner was cleaning their deck when the capacitor exploded. Debris shattered bones in their hand and caused severe cuts to their face. They required multiple surgeries.
- A father cleaning his siding from a ladder fell when the washer suddenly jerked. He broke his wrist, suffered a concussion, and could not return to work for months.
- A child standing nearby was struck in the eye by a fragment from an exploding washer. The injury left them with permanent vision loss.
These accidents are tragic because they are preventable. They only happened because defective washers were allowed to be sold.
What to Do if You Own or Used a Recalled Washer
- Stop using it immediately. Continued use risks more injuries.
- Record the model and serial number. Keep documentation of your unit.
- Take photos of the washer and any visible damage.
- Seek medical care for any injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
- Contact Philly Injury Lawyer. We will review your case for free.
You pay nothing unless we win your case. The sooner you call, the sooner we can protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I know if my washer is recalled?
Check the label on your washer. If the model is RY142300 or RY142711VNM, it is part of the recall.
2. What if I was injured before the recall was announced?
You may still have a claim. Injuries caused by the defect can be pursued even if they happened before the official recall.
3. Do I need proof of purchase?
Proof of purchase helps but is not always required. Your lawyer can often establish ownership and use through other evidence.
4. What if I already received a repair kit?
A repair kit does not erase liability for injuries that already happened. You can still pursue compensation.
5. What if I didn’t go to the doctor right away?
You should seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you delayed, you may still have a case. A lawyer can help connect your injury to the defective product.
6. How long do I have to file a claim in Pennsylvania?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident. That’s why it’s critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
7. How much does it cost to hire Philly Injury Lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. We Win or It's Free®
Why Choose Philly Injury Lawyer
We are proud to serve injury victims across Pennsylvania. Our focus is always on the client—listening to their story, guiding them through the legal system, and fighting for the best possible outcome.
Our team has decades of combined experience handling product liability cases, including those involving defective household tools, machinery, and recalled items.
We know how to take on large corporations, national retailers, and powerful insurers. Most importantly, we know how to fight for ordinary Pennsylvanians who deserve justice.
