Department of Justice Sues Michaels Stores for Failing to Report Product Defect

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and permanent injunction relief for failing to notify the CPSC of the danger "immediately"—or "within 24 hours"—as required by law.

“We believe that Michaels chose to profit from selling defective vases that put people at risk, instead of following the law and immediately reporting that their vases were shattering and causing great harm to consumers,” said Elliot F. Kaye, CPSC chairman. “To protect the public, companies are required to report potential product hazards and risks to CPSC on a timely basis. That means within 24 hours, not more than a year as in Michaels’ case.”