When you are injured by a defective product, you may have a product liability claim. The majority of the products we purchase for our families are safe to use. However, every year thousands of products are recalled because they are dangerous and likely to cause injury. There is usually no clear way to protect yourself from being injured by a defective product if you don’t know it’s defective. There are some important steps you can take to protect your family.
Do Your Research Before You Buy
Before purchasing a product, be sure to do some thorough research. Even though a product has been recalled, it doesn’t always mean that all stores have taken them off their shelves. Not all product recalls make the news, but you can search the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list. You can also research to see if there have been any injuries associated with a product or whether there are any pending lawsuits involving the product.
Purchase Products From Established Companies
Before products are placed on the market, they should undergo rigorous safety testing. In addition, if a product is dangerous and has been recalled, retailers have a responsibility to ensure these products are removed from their shelves. Some companies are more thorough than others when responding to recalls. Resellers and individuals may not comply with recalls and may attempt to sell you a recalled product on sites such as craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
Listen to Recall Instructions
If a product in your home has been recalled or there is a recall on your vehicle, make sure you closely follow the instructions related to the recall. Some recalls involve returning the item to the manufacturer for a refund. Others involve a repair or replacement part that will make the product safe for use. You should always discontinue using a product if it has been recalled. Most people never respond to recalls, and this can place them in a dangerous position. You can check the recall list to ensure that products in your home have not been recalled.
Contact a Dangerous Products Attorney
If you’ve been injured by a recalled product, you want an experienced product liability attorney on your side. For over 25 years, Gregg Goldfarb has been helping the victims of dangerous products. Contact us online or call us at 305-374-7000 to schedule a free consultation.