Headset maker Plantronics is facing a class action lawsuit in the USA because it did not warn consumers that Bluetooth headsets they sold could result in hearing loss or risk of hearing loss and that Plantronics acted wrongfully when they did not warn consumers of the risk.
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The action comes as Plantronics sales plummet across both their headphone division as well as their Altec Lansing consumer electronics division. Also being sued are Motorola and Jabra.
In their latest financial report sales have fallen from $232.8 million in the previous year’s third quarter to $182.8 million in this fiscal year.
In its audio communications group (ACG) fiscal third-quarter 2009 net revenue of $152.6 million was down 22.1 percent compared with $196.0 million, with weakness in all geographies and product groups other than its Clarity products.
In their class action lawsuit currently before US Courts the Plaintiff’s claim that Plantronics products pose a risk to consumers when used in the way the products’ packaging and materials explicitly and implicitly discuss.
Plaintiffs claim the headsets put them at a significant risk for developing life-altering physical injuries. These risks can be environmental, occupational or, consumer-related, they claim.
