Black & Decker Sued Over Unsafe Coffee Maker

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – There's a federal lawsuit over a Black and Decker coffee maker.

The lawsuit centers on the distributor of the popular Black and Decker Space Maker.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said dozens of people were burned after the handles on their coffee pots unexpectedly fell off.

Spectrum Brands and a former subsidiary are accused of not reporting that dangerous product defect in a timely manner.

Federal prosecutors said the company first learned of the defect in 2009 but waited until 2012 to report it.

Companies are required by law to promptly report such hazards and discuss the possibility of a recall.

In a statement, Spectrum Brands said it has been a responsible company when it comes to product safety.