A Massachusetts-based awning manufacturer will pay $9.25 million and overhaul its compliance protocols to settle civil claims that it failed to report hazardous defects in its awning covers, a lapse that allegedly led to multiple injuries and at least one fatality.
SunSetter Products LP reached a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday, finalizing a settlement months after announcing its intent to resolve the dispute in March.
Government Slams SunSetter’s Delay in Reporting Defect
“This settlement underscores the necessity for companies to prioritize consumer safety and fulfill their legal duty to disclose dangerous defects in a timely manner,” Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley stated Wednesday. “SunSetter’s failure to do so had devastating consequences.”
Despite the high stakes, an attorney representing SunSetter did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Defective Awning Covers Linked to Accidents, Death
The government alleges that SunSetter delayed reporting a known defect affecting 270,000 awning covers, which could unexpectedly spring open with enough force to knock over unsuspecting individuals attempting to remove them.
