Samurai Mini Smoke Alarms: Silent Danger? Lawsuit Alleges Failure to Warn

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims that Samurai Mini Smoke Alarms are defective and may fail to alert users to fires, posing serious risks of smoke inhalation or death.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased the recalled Samurai-branded mini smoke alarms, model number SM1, from July 2020 through November 2024.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

A new lawsuit claims that Samurai Mini Smoke Alarms, sold by Three61 LLC, may fail to alert users to fires, posing serious risks of smoke inhalation or death. 

The alarms, marketed as compact and reliable, were sold nationwide through HSN and HSN.com between July 2020 and November 2024, priced between $40 and $50. Despite their intended purpose, the lawsuit alleges these devices are defective, potentially leaving consumers unprotected in emergencies.​

Samurai Mini Smoke Alarms Allegedly Fail to Detect Fires

Edward Briscoe, a Las Vegas resident, filed the proposed class action lawsuit after he purchased the Samurai Mini Smoke Alarms in 2024, unaware of any defects. The lawsuit states that Briscoe, like many consumers, relied on the product's advertised safety features. 

However, the alarms allegedly contain a "malfunction defect" that can prevent them from detecting smoke or fire. Briscoe asserts that had he known about this risk, he would not have bought the product or would have paid significantly less.​

Lawsuit Claims Company Lied About Product Safety

The lawsuit highlights that the Samurai Mini Smoke Alarms are not fit for their intended use due to a design flaw that may cause them to malfunction. This defect allegedly renders the alarms unreliable during smoke or fire incidents, directly contradicting their marketed purpose. 

The complaint further accuses Three61 LLC of failing to disclose this critical information to consumers, violating both state and federal laws.​

In January 2025, over 300,000 Samurai Mini Smoke Alarms were recalled due to malfunction risks, with reports of the alarms failing to alert homeowners to smoke. While no injuries were reported, the recall emphasized the potential danger posed by defective safety devices.

Trend of Lawsuits Over Defective Products with Fire Risks

The Samurai Mini Smoke Alarm suit echoes a broader wave of lawsuits over products tied to fire risks. Colsen’s tabletop fire pits were recalled after causing severe burns, with lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn consumers. 

Swagtron electric scooters are accused of overheating and catching fire due to faulty batteries, while similar fire-related suits target Ryobi lawn mowers and SKIL power tools. Even Ford, and a slate of other automakers, faces claims that some hybrid SUVs can ignite while parked. 

In his lawsuit against Three61 LLC, Briscoe wants to represent anyone in the US who purchased the recalled Samurai-branded mini smoke alarms, model number SM1 from July 2020 through November 2024. 

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Briscoe v. Three61 LLC
• Case Number: 8:25-cv-00230-SDM-NHA
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida 

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Joshua R. Jacobson (Jacobson Phillips PLLC)
• Paul J. Doolittle (Poulin | Willey Anastopoulo, LLC)
• Kevin Laukaitis (Laukaitis Law LLC)

​​Did you purchase a Samurai Mini Smoke Alarm? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your experience below.