FELLOWES MODEL C-480 – Product Liability Lawyer

2026-04-16 – A consumer suffered broken fingers after their hand was pulled into a Fellowes Model C-480 paper shredder, according to a hazard report filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on SaferProducts.gov. The incident, classified as a laceration hazard involving a design defect, required emergency department treatment. The report, filed on March 11, 2026, highlights risks associated with the shredder's feed mechanism.

Product Details

Brand Name: Fellowes
Manufacturer: Fellowes, Inc.
Model: C-480
Incident Report Number: 5973715
Severity Type Name: Emergency Department Treatment Received
Severity Type ID: 9

Incident Overview

On March 11, 2026, a consumer was inserting paper into a Fellowes Model C-480 paper shredder when their fingers were pulled into the device, resulting in broken fingers. The injury required treatment at an emergency department. The incident was reported to the CPSC via SaferProducts.gov, where it was classified as a laceration hazard stemming from a design defect.

According to the incident report (ID 5973715), the consumer was using the shredder as intended when the injury occurred. The report does not specify prior issues or whether the product was modified. The severity of the injury—broken fingers requiring emergency care—underscores the physical force involved in the shredder's feed mechanism. The CPSC database entry notes the hazard type as laceration, though the reported injury involved fractures, indicating the pulling action caused significant trauma.

Safety Concerns

Immediate Dangers: The shredder's feed mechanism can pull in fingers upon contact with the paper entry slot, causing crushing or laceration injuries. In this incident, the consumer's fingers were broken, demonstrating the substantial force exerted by the device's internal rollers.

Who Might Be Affected: Any user operating the shredder is at risk, particularly if they attempt to feed paper too close to the slot or if safety features fail to prevent finger entry. Children or inexperienced users may be especially vulnerable.

Warning Signs: Users may notice the shredder's paper entry slot is wider than necessary or that the device lacks adequate safety guards. A lack of automatic shutoff upon skin contact is a potential design flaw that could precede such incidents.

Long-Term Risks: Recurring use of a shredder with a design defect may lead to chronic hand injuries or permanent nerve damage if the pulling mechanism is repeatedly engaged. However, this specific incident resulted in acute fractures rather than long-term exposure harm.

What Our Clients Say

What Consumers Should Do

Stop Using Immediately: If you own a Fellowes Model C-480 shredder, discontinue use until a safety evaluation is conducted. The risk of hand entrapment is significant.

Preserve the Product: Keep the shredder in its current condition, including any packaging or documentation, as evidence for potential investigations or legal claims.

Document the Incident: Take photos of the product and any injuries, and write down the date, time, and details of what occurred. Save medical records related to treatment.

Seek Medical Attention: If you or someone else sustains an injury from a shredder, seek emergency care immediately, especially if bones are broken or deep lacerations occur.

Report to the CPSC: File a report on SaferProducts.gov to alert regulators and other consumers. You can reference existing Report ID 5973715 to add your experience.

Check for Recalls: Monitor CPSC.gov for any recalls or safety notices related to the Fellowes Model C-480 or similar shredders.

Consumers who suffered injury or property damage from this product may wish to speak with a product liability attorney to understand their legal options.

Manufacturer's Response

The manufacturer's official response to this specific incident report is not publicly available at the time of this writing.

Legal Help Available

H Law Group is a California-based product liability law firm representing individuals injured by defective products. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our team offers free consultations to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. If you or a loved one was injured by FELLOWES MODEL C-480 or a similar product, contact H Law Group at (888) 499-4948 for a free, no-obligation consultation.