You may have a product liability claim if a defective product causes an injury. Most products on the market are safe for use. However, there are some products that are dangerous and defective and shouldn’t be on the market. Once a product is deemed dangerous, the manufacturer has an obligation to pull it from store shelves and institute a recall. Once a product has been recalled, there are steps you can take to protect your family.
What is a Product Recall?
A product recall is an attempt to retrieve a product from consumers and retailers once the product has been found to be defective or unsafe. A product recall typically occurs when a large number of a product are found to be unsafe. The product recall may ask consumers to dispose of the product or return it to the manufacturer. Sometimes there is a repair that is available to make a product safe. The danger is that, even if a product is recalled, it can still be found in homes, garage sales, secondhand stores, and schools.
Learn About Recalls
Some recalls are broadcast on the news and through social media. However, products are recalled frequently, and some manufacturers may not advertise their recalls broadly. The best way to keep up to date on the latest product recalls is to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall database. The database is updated every day and contains the most up-to-date information on product recalls. You can research based on product type or manufacturer. If you search for dressers, you will pull up a list of all of the recalled dressers. You can also search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by your VIN to see if there has been a recall on your vehicle.
Check for Recalled Products
If you have concerns about some of the products in your home, you can always do a search to see if there has been a recall. Before purchasing an item secondhand, it may be wise to check and ensure that it has not been recalled. Ask friends and family to check the products in their homes as well. If a product has been recalled, make sure you carefully follow the steps laid out by the manufacturer. Discontinue use of the product immediately and do what the manufacturer instructs consumers to do.
Contact a Product Liability Attorney
If you’ve been injured by a recalled product, you should have an experienced product liability attorney evaluate your case. Gregg Goldfarb has been helping the victims of dangerous products for over 25 years. Contact us online or call us at 305-374-7000 to schedule a free consultation.