In a gripping legal battle that highlights the potential dangers of consumer products, an individual has filed a lawsuit against two major corporations, alleging severe injuries due to a defective electric scooter. The complaint was lodged by Jeffrey Basham in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on December 31, 2024, targeting Unagi, Inc., and Best Buy Stores, L.P.
The case centers around an incident involving an Unagi E500 Matte electric scooter purchased by Basham from a Best Buy store in San Francisco. According to the complaint, on February 8, 2023, while riding the scooter in a designated bike lane on Market Street in San Francisco at a safe speed, Basham experienced a catastrophic failure when the handlebar detached from the main body due to a defect in the epoxy adhesive securing it. This sudden malfunction caused him to lose control and fall backward onto concrete pavement, resulting in head injuries that required medical attention.
Basham's lawsuit accuses both Unagi and Best Buy of negligence and product liability. He asserts that these companies failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, assembling, inspecting, testing, distributing, and selling the scooter. The complaint outlines multiple alleged defects: inadequate adhesive strength for securing handlebars and insufficient testing to identify potential weaknesses under normal use conditions. Furthermore, Basham claims that there were no adequate warnings provided about these risks.
The plaintiff's accusations extend beyond negligence to include strict product liability for manufacturing defects and design flaws. He argues that safer alternative designs were available but not implemented by the defendants. Additionally, Basham alleges breach of express and implied warranties as both companies purportedly assured consumers that their scooters were free from defects and safe for intended use.
As relief from this ordeal, Basham seeks general damages for his physical pain and suffering as well as special damages for economic losses incurred due to his inability to work following the accident. He also demands compensation for lost earnings and loss of earning capacity alongside pre- and post-judgment interest. Moreover, he requests coverage for all legal costs associated with pursuing this lawsuit.
Representing Jeffrey Basham is attorney Brendan D.S. Way from Jaurigue Law Group. The case is being presided over by judges at the Superior Court of California in San Francisco under Case No: CGC-24-621100.