GE GSHF6HGDBCBB – Product Liability Lawyer

2026-02-13 – A consumer reported suffering a burn injury while removing ice from the ice maker of a GE side-by-side refrigerator, according to a publicly filed incident report on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) SaferProducts.gov database. The incident, classified as a burn hazard and warning defect, involved the GE GSHF6HGDBCBB refrigerator manufactured by GE Appliances, a Haier company. The consumer required emergency department treatment.

Product Details

Brand Name: GE
Manufacturer: GE Appliances, a Haier company
Model: GSHF6HGDBCBB (consumer notes correct model is GSHF6HGD8CBB)
Retailer: installed in home
Incident Report Number: 5773062
Severity Type Name: Emergency Department Treatment Received
Severity Type ID: 9

Incident Overview

On July 13, 2025, a consumer was removing dislodged ice from the underside of the ice maker, located behind the ice cube bin of their GE refrigerator. While reaching into the freezer compartment, the consumer’s right ring finger made contact with the metal underside of the ice maker mechanism, resulting in a burn. The consumer reported immediate pain, redness, and swelling. They contacted their healthcare provider’s triage nurse, who directed them to seek emergency medical evaluation.

At the emergency room, the consumer received a tetanus shot, wound cleaning, application of Bacitracin, and a bandage. They were prescribed Bacitracin and strongly advised to follow up with their primary care provider due to concern about possible infection. Follow-up visits occurred on July 17, July 28, and August 8, 2025, at which point the wound—located over the knuckle—was healing well. The consumer noted that the injury took longer to heal due to natural finger movement. The consumer stated there are no warning labels on the inside of the freezer compartment or on the ice maker unit, and believes a protective panel should cover the underside of the ice maker to prevent such injuries. The consumer also reported that GE’s insurance carrier, Sedgwick, denied compensation for medical expenses. The consumer further noted that a part (WR17X11449) exists that can prevent ice overflow, suggesting the issue may be known.

Safety Concerns

Immediate Dangers: The exposed metal underside of the ice maker can reach temperatures low enough to cause cold burns (frostbite) upon direct skin contact. The consumer’s injury—a one-inch by quarter-inch burn across the knuckle—demonstrates the risk of tissue damage from brief contact, which can result in pain, blistering, and potential infection.

Long-Term Risks: Repeated or prolonged exposure to cold surfaces could lead to more severe frostbite, potentially causing permanent nerve damage or tissue necrosis. Even minor cold burns can become infected, as the treating medical team noted in this case, leading to complications that may require extended medical care.

Who Might Be Affected: Anyone reaching into the freezer compartment to remove ice—including adults, children, or elderly individuals—could accidentally contact the exposed metal underside of the ice maker. The location behind the ice cube bin makes it likely that users will reach into that area during routine ice removal.

Warning Signs: The absence of any warning labels on the unit or inside the freezer compartment means consumers have no visual indication of the hazard. The consumer specifically noted that no labels or embossed warnings exist on the walls, ice maker, or plastic surfaces, making the risk entirely hidden until contact occurs.

What Our Clients Say

What Consumers Should Do

Stop Using the Ice Maker: If you own a GE GSHF6HGDBCBB (or similar model) and notice ice buildup or have to reach behind the ice bin, avoid contact with the underside of the ice maker. Consider discontinuing use of the ice maker until a protective solution is in place.

Seek Medical Attention for Cold Burns: If you or a family member sustains a cold burn or frostbite from the ice maker, wash the area with warm (not hot) water, cover it with a sterile bandage, and seek medical evaluation. Burns over joints or deep injuries require prompt care to prevent infection.

Document the Incident: Take photographs of the injury, the ice maker area, and any missing warning labels. Keep records of medical bills, prescriptions, and follow-up visits. This documentation is important for any future claims or reports.

Report to the CPSC: File a report on SaferProducts.gov (Report ID 5773062 can be referenced) to help regulators track the hazard and consider potential recalls or safety improvements.

Check for Recalls or Safety Notices: Visit CPSC.gov to search for any recalls related to GE refrigerators or ice maker components. Also check with GE Appliances for any available safety parts or updates.

Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to GE Appliances to report the hazard and request a protective cover or modification. The consumer in this incident found a part (WR17X11449) that may prevent ice overflow and reduce the need to reach into the hazardous area.

Consumers who have 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. The consumer stated that GE Appliances informed them they were unable to assist, and their insurance carrier, Sedgwick, denied compensation for medical expenses.

Legal Help Available

H Law Group is a California-based product liability law firm representing individuals injured by dangerous and defective products. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our team offers free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. If you or a loved one was injured by GE GSHF6HGDBCBB or a similar product, contact H Law Group at (888) 499-4948 for a free, no-obligation consultation.