Legal News

Watch out for falling lights.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling dangerous stadium lighting poles which have fallen quite suddenly and pose a risk of death. The poles are over 60 feet tall and way between one and four tons. At least 11 poles have already fallen, one breaking through the roof of a high school gym. In other incidents, the poles have hit bleaches causing major damaging and demonstrating their capability to serious harm spectators. Most of the incidents have been in Texas.

The CPSC reports that there have been several close calls with spectators who were in the area when the poles fell, but luckily no one has been injured. The manufacturer is Whitco Company LP, of Fort Worth, Texas. The poles were sold nationwide from 2000 through 2005. The company is now out of business.

The CPSC reports that more than 2,500 poles could be defective. Further inspections are currently underway. A design analysis to assess the stresses placed on the pole is required to ensure future safety. Special equipment is required to detect the defects, so concerned citizens should not to attempt to investigate the poles themselves. The recall is designed to locate, inspect, recall and repair the outdoor steel stadium light poles.

The CPSC has provided a list of locations for the recall. There are several prominent locations including Purdue University, Union Pacific Railroad, BYU and hundreds of high school and little league sports parks.

CPSC recommends that all outdoor steel stadium light poles be routinely inspected by a professional. As the Whitco Company LP has become bankrupt, individual owners of the poles must arrange for inspection.

Related Resources:

• Recall to Repair: Whitco Company LP Stadium Light Poles Can Fall Over, Posing Risk of Serious Injury and Death (CPSC)
• Locations that may have the affected poles (CPSC) (PDF)
• Falling stadium poles trigger recall (CBC)
• Personal Injuries from Dangerous or Defective Products (provided by Ingram Law Office)
• Product Liability FAQ (provided by Lozner & Mastropietro)