January 7, 2026 – An incident involving an Igloo 90 Quart Roller Maxcold Cooler has been reported, where a consumer’s finger was pinched. This report highlights potential safety concerns with the design or operation of large capacity coolers, particularly those with hinged lids or rolling mechanisms.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On April 22, 2025, an incident was reported concerning an Igloo 90 QT MAXCOLD Roller Cooler. The consumer stated that their “finger got pinched” by the cooler. While specific details regarding the exact mechanism of the pinch (e.g., lid hinge, latch, or rolling part) are not provided in the report, it is common for such incidents to occur when a cooler lid closes unexpectedly or when a finger is caught in a moving part or hinge during opening or closing. The “Roller” designation suggests this model includes wheels and a handle, adding other potential pinch points, though the lid mechanism is the most frequent culprit in finger pinch injuries related to coolers.
Safety Concerns
Finger pinch injuries from coolers, while seemingly minor, can pose significant risks.
- Immediate Dangers: These injuries can range from painful contusions and bruising to more severe outcomes such as deep lacerations, fractures, or even avulsion injuries (where the skin or soft tissue is torn away). A severe pinch can cause significant immediate pain and swelling.
- Long-Term Risks: Depending on the severity, a finger injury can lead to long-term issues including chronic pain, nerve damage, reduced dexterity, and in extreme cases, permanent disfigurement or loss of function.
- Who Might Be Affected: While adults can certainly sustain these injuries, children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller fingers and less developed motor skills, making them more susceptible to accidental entrapment in cooler lids or hinges. Elderly individuals or those with compromised hand strength may also be at higher risk.
- Property Damage Potential: While this specific incident does not describe property damage, a sudden or forceful closure that causes a pinch could potentially damage items stored within or around the cooler if the cooler itself is impacted or dropped due to the user’s reaction.
The design of hinges, latches, and closing mechanisms on coolers is crucial for preventing such incidents. Lack of slow-close features, inadequate finger guards, or stiff/unpredictable hinges can all contribute to pinch hazards.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own an Igloo 90 QT MAXCOLD Roller Cooler or a similar large cooler, consider the following safety measures:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If a pinch injury occurs, assess the severity. For minor pinches, apply ice and elevate the hand. For severe pain, swelling, deformity, or inability to move the finger, seek immediate medical attention.
- How to Check Your Product: Carefully inspect the hinges, lid, and any latches or moving parts of your cooler. Look for any areas where fingers could easily be caught. Pay attention to the force required to close the lid and whether it snaps shut abruptly.
- Prevention Measures:
* Always be mindful of finger placement when opening or closing cooler lids, especially around hinges and latches.
* Educate children about the dangers of playing around cooler lids and always supervise them.
* If possible, consider coolers with “soft close” hinges or safety latches designed to prevent sudden lid closure.
* When moving a roller cooler, ensure hands and fingers are clear of wheels and handles before engaging.
* Never force a lid open or shut if it feels stiff, as this could lead to unexpected movement.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident or discover a potential hazard with your cooler, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. This helps gather crucial data for potential recalls or safety improvements.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer’s response to this specific incident report is currently unknown.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.