Apple Watch Class Action Lawsuit Claims Popular Device Can Cause Severe Wrist Injuries
The lawsuit claims Apple knew about the problems and risk of severe wrist injuries for years, but failed to warn consumers or correct the design problems
According to allegations raised in a recently filed class action lawsuit, Apple Watches contain design defects which may allow the lithium ion battery to swell and crack the housing, resulting in laceration injuries.
The complaint (PDF) was filed earlier this month by several plaintiffs in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, who claim Apple knew about the design problems, which could cause the metal or glass enclosures to crack and cut consumers. However, no Apple Watch recall has been issued, which plaintiffs say is to avoid costly repairs and replacements.
The four plaintiffs named in the complaint state that Apple did not allocate enough room within the watch’s housing to allow for natural lithium ion battery swelling, causing the screens to pop away from the casing, or for the metal or glass casings themselves to crack, causing consumers to suffer severe wrist lacerations.
The lawsuit alleges Apple knew of the design defect prior to the release of its first generation Apple Watches in 2015, and had accumulated knowledge of incident reports shortly after the products hit the market.
The plaintiffs cite dozens of complaints reported in Apple’s “Support Communities” online forum, which Apple states it monitors and encourages consumers to give feedback and pose questions.
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Learn MoreThe lawsuit also referenced Apple’s U.S. Patent No. 9,912,186 issued in March 2018, which states: “Continued use of a lithium-polymer battery over time may also produce swelling in the battery’s cells. . . a user of a device may not be aware of the battery’s swelling and/or degradation until the swelling results in physical damage to the device.”
However, the Apple Watch problems were not acknowledged until April 2017, when the manufacturer extended the warranty for qualifying models of its First generation watches
Despite knowledge of the dangerous space constraints Apple continued to configure the following y Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, and Series SE models with the same battery shape, battery chemistry, screen materials and identical internal configuration with no thermal barrier to reduce the risk of injuries to consumers, according to the complaint.
One of the plaintiff’s listed in the complaint, Chris Smith, indicates he was wearing his Series 3 Aluminum Apple Watch while sitting in a golf cart on September 8, 2020, when he felt a sudden pain on his left wrist. Smith indicates he turned his wrist to notice the Apple Watch had severely sliced the underside of his forearm, cutting a vein and requiring hospital treatment.
After receiving medical treatment, Smith submitted an inquiry about coverage for the cracked watch, which was ultimately denied by Apple. Smith visited Best Buy, which acted as an authorized representative of Apple, but was again denied coverage or repair costs. This left Smith to cover the expensive repairs, as well as the medical costs of injuries caused by the defective watch, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit seeks class action status to represent all consumers similarly situated who paid a premium for defective and dangerous Apple Watches which range from $399 to $1,499 in price. The lawsuit claims Apple intentionally neglected known defects that put consumers at risk of harm while failing to offer a sufficient remedy or replacement.
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25 Comments
PatriciaMarch 3, 2024 at 3:15 pm
Wrist burn/rash from Apple Watch.
HeatherFebruary 26, 2024 at 3:45 pm
I HAVE WORN MY WATCH FOR 6+ YEARS . I RECENTLY GOT A NEW WATCH AND AFTER ABOUT 5 MONTHS OF WEARING THE NEW WATCH I NOTICED A BURN SENSATION, TOOK THE WATCH OFF TO FIND A NICE BURN ON MY LEFT WRIST
JordanJanuary 19, 2024 at 2:43 pm
I had a sharp intense pain this morning on my wrist and when i pulled my watch back to investigate what was causing the pain I noticed a large burn. It's painful, it's blistering, and there isn't any damage to the watch itself. I've been wearing this watch for a year+ with no issues and suddenly today it burned me.
LoriDecember 20, 2023 at 11:15 am
I get random pains in my wrist right where the watch lays. As soon as I take the watch off it subsides. This has happened about 3X I am only to assume the pain is related to the watch. I think I must return to Garmin and stop using my Apple watch. I don't want to take any unnecessary risks.
KellieDecember 7, 2023 at 7:30 pm
I purchased and Apple Series 6 a year or two ago and have worn it 3-4 days per week for work about a month ago my wrist was extremely painful, and my hands were throbbing, and my fingers began tingling. There was a red mark on the back of my wrist, and it was hurting bad, I put an icepack on it gave my watch (which never got hot or warm) a rest. Last week though there was a black discoloration on[Show More]I purchased and Apple Series 6 a year or two ago and have worn it 3-4 days per week for work about a month ago my wrist was extremely painful, and my hands were throbbing, and my fingers began tingling. There was a red mark on the back of my wrist, and it was hurting bad, I put an icepack on it gave my watch (which never got hot or warm) a rest. Last week though there was a black discoloration on the back wrist from the burn last month. I began wearing it again for work. On Monday, I went to an Urgent Care facility because my arm began stinging again and turning red again, however my watch wasn't hot/warm to touch. I was diagnosed with an "Epidermal Burn of Skin" and prescribed mupirocin ointment and instructed not to keep bandages on more than 24hrs and to keep site clean.
TejNovember 12, 2023 at 7:18 pm
Same thing happened with series bought in target. Likely burned my wrist kind of small but like first degree burn.
MellisaNovember 1, 2023 at 11:08 pm
I have been wearing an Apple Watch for years. Most recently a Series 6 that I have worn daily since June, 2021 and have never had an issue. I noticed a red ring, like a burn on my wrist about two weeks ago, took the watch off, treated with over the counter ointment and the mark went away after about a week. I put my watch on again for the 1st time in 8 days, have been wearing for three and I have [Show More]I have been wearing an Apple Watch for years. Most recently a Series 6 that I have worn daily since June, 2021 and have never had an issue. I noticed a red ring, like a burn on my wrist about two weeks ago, took the watch off, treated with over the counter ointment and the mark went away after about a week. I put my watch on again for the 1st time in 8 days, have been wearing for three and I have another burn mark.
CharmaineSeptember 21, 2023 at 12:16 pm
I have the series 7 and had pain in my wrist which got worse over time and a burnt mark. I called Apple Watch and spoke to someone who told me to change the watch band. I did and it was fine until today 9/21/23 when I felt a sharp pain in my wrist. Apple needs to pay for this. IS it possible we are being exposed to radiation or other ill effects?
NatashaSeptember 2, 2023 at 7:39 am
My 16 year old daughter got the apple watch SE, has had it for less than 1 month and has burnt her wrist. Apple should not be allowed to continue to make these watches without safety warnings.
ShelleyAugust 25, 2023 at 12:39 pm
While cooking, I thought my wrist touched the pan. My watch needed immediately off. I was not aware at first that my watch was actually what burned me until the pattern that my burn is. It is just like the watch. Very painful, I’m still caring for this horrible burn 8 days later.
BethaniaAugust 21, 2023 at 9:49 pm
My Apple Watch burned me too. It happened out of no where, felt like something shocked me. I immediately took my watch off and I noticed that I had a small laceration that later got bubbly like a burn. I also noticed that a small part on the back of my watch is shattered, one of the censors maybe.
TrindaAugust 12, 2023 at 6:49 pm
My watched burned my skin also…it hurts. It’s series 8. I’m a dental hygienist and work with my hands….not ok.
ElvaApril 17, 2023 at 3:25 pm
I also was burned on both my wrist by my Apple series 7 watch. Spoke with Apple many times and was given no answers. Told me to clean my watch and wear it on my right wrist but was burned again. Was told to go see a doctor. Sent pictures to Apple which clearly show a burn and not an irritation as they so called it. Went to my Dr and confirm 2nd degree burn. Apple stated that they cannot not help m[Show More]I also was burned on both my wrist by my Apple series 7 watch. Spoke with Apple many times and was given no answers. Told me to clean my watch and wear it on my right wrist but was burned again. Was told to go see a doctor. Sent pictures to Apple which clearly show a burn and not an irritation as they so called it. Went to my Dr and confirm 2nd degree burn. Apple stated that they cannot not help me. The warranty on my watch was expired. I have had the watch for over a year.
AmyApril 2, 2023 at 4:04 pm
My SE Ist gen got very hot while I was wearing it. I returned the watch for a full refund because I bought it from a retailer known to take care of its “executive” customers. They urged me to call Apple to file a formal complaint, but Apple says they can offer me no compensation unless I’m able to send them the Watch. There should be warnings about the possibility of this happening.
MariaApril 2, 2023 at 9:25 am
I thought I was the only one until a co worker showed me that she too was getting a red mark on her wrist; my mark has been on my wrist longer and I didn’t realize that it was my Apple Watch that caused it.
FayFebruary 5, 2023 at 1:04 pm
I bought a series 7 Apple Watch for my Birthday October 2021. I started getting a terrible burning on my wrist and immediately removed it. I thankfully didn’t have a burn mark but it was sore and felt like I had a bruise there for several days to about 2 weeks after removing it. I then tried to use it on my other wrist just to see if I was imagining things and immediately started to feel burning a[Show More]I bought a series 7 Apple Watch for my Birthday October 2021. I started getting a terrible burning on my wrist and immediately removed it. I thankfully didn’t have a burn mark but it was sore and felt like I had a bruise there for several days to about 2 weeks after removing it. I then tried to use it on my other wrist just to see if I was imagining things and immediately started to feel burning again. I was able to return it because it was just after the 30 days. I paid a lot of money for something I don’t use and stuck into a contract with T-Mobile for having an extra line to use it.
claireJanuary 31, 2023 at 12:14 pm
I have a burning sensation a red circle same size of the battery on my wrist. One day the glass on my watch was all cracked when I picked it up from charger in the morning. I bought another Apple Watch this week and still have the burning sensation. On my wrist. I love my Apple Watch it motivates me to work out and stay healthy What should I do for support now
MariaJanuary 1, 2023 at 10:34 pm
I had same problem with my apple watch, it was a gift from my husband but I couldnt stand the pain in my wrists no matter what hand I used it in it would cause pain so I had to give it back to my husband and been without using one for years now which sucks because I really enjoyed the health app been able to monitor my health.
TawanaDecember 14, 2022 at 10:50 am
I took off my watch to find a red circle on my wrist. It was itchy and irritated. Was sure if something got underneath the watch so after it healed I paid close attention to it. When I took it off the same red, itchy, irritated circle on my arm.
MarissaDecember 7, 2022 at 10:12 pm
Over time I was seeing a little red mark when I'd take my watch off, only under one of the little sensors on the back. Today I took it off, and am full on bleeding in the exact same spot. If it was an allergy, it'd be all of the sensors. I've seen quite a few of these reports online with the same blanket response of "allergy" or "band too tight." Nope and nope.
KimberlyNovember 27, 2022 at 1:12 am
I woke up this morning with two large itchy circles on my left wrist. After researching, I was informed that these are burns from my Apple Watch.
MichelleNovember 23, 2022 at 2:18 am
I’ve been wearing my apple three series watch for over five years. I even wear it at night so I can just lift my arm up to see the time. I’ve noticed over the last year that my hand falls asleep super easily and I have tingling in my hand and wrist on the watch side only. . Last night I took my watch off and put it aside on the nightstand and when I woke up the entire face was cracked and broken. [Show More]I’ve been wearing my apple three series watch for over five years. I even wear it at night so I can just lift my arm up to see the time. I’ve noticed over the last year that my hand falls asleep super easily and I have tingling in my hand and wrist on the watch side only. . Last night I took my watch off and put it aside on the nightstand and when I woke up the entire face was cracked and broken. I had no idea how this happened. I’m wondering now if the lithium battery had been swelling and finally cracked the glass. Now I’m wondering if this is what has been causing my hand and wrist pain all this time
PriyankaOctober 16, 2022 at 9:30 pm
My Apple Watch burned my wrist. I thought I was the only one but it seems like many people have had this issue.
AshleyOctober 9, 2022 at 3:41 am
Apple Watch Series 7 is causing pain in my left wrist. Apple told me it’s probably because I have it on too tightly. Not the case at all. My wrist hurts now even when I’m not wearing it.
RitaSeptember 12, 2022 at 8:16 pm
I have wore an Apple Watch for at least 3 years or longer and now I have a lot of pain in my wrist from Apple I can’t hold much in some positions and drop some things. It’s been 2 months now and not much better.They should have told us that these things could happen.