The number of recall events in the U.S. reached a seven-year high in 2023. That year, over 3,300 recall events led to the recalling of 759 million defective products. There can be various reasons why a product is pulled from the shelves, including the fact that the product contains a dangerous defect that can cause injuries to consumers.
Unfortunately, recalls aren’t always announced in time to prevent defective products from hurting consumers — a company or government agency might not issue a recall until after multiple people have suffered harm. It falls to consumers themselves to prioritize their safety when using consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
Ways to Stay Safe When Using New or Dangerous Products
Defective products aren’t always easily identifiable, but you don’t want to discover that these products are flawed or dangerous by becoming injured. Thankfully, there are several ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from being unnecessarily hurt by a dangerous product.
Stay Up-to-Date About Current Recalls
Before purchasing a new product, check to see if it’s currently subject to any recalls. You can do this by visiting the consumer safety website Recalls.gov and searching for the product you want to purchase.
On the site, you can see whether the item in question is subject to a recall. You can also learn more about the product’s defect and what remedial steps the manufacturer or government recommends.
If you discover that a product you own has been recalled, take the matter seriously and follow the notice’s instructions.
Sometimes, the manufacturer will replace a defective component and return the product to you. In other situations, the manufacturer may exchange the product entirely. In either case, adhering to a recall notice’s instructions will help prevent you from being hurt.
Read All Included Instructions
It’s tempting to begin using a new product immediately after buying it. Instead, take time to read through the instructions or owner’s manual that accompanies the product.
The included materials will tell you how the product is supposed to appear and function under normal circumstances. When you begin using the product, this information will make it easier to spot potential defects.
Inspect the Product Prior to Use
Don’t assume that a product defect will be apparent the first time you use it. Some product liability cases arise because a component wears down too quickly under normal conditions. If you fail to inspect the product regularly, you can miss signs of early wear and tear and risk injury if the product fails prematurely.
There’s no need to completely disassemble a product every time you use it. Just examine the main components and look for signs of wear and tear. Pay particular attention to parts that get hot, move, or rub against other surfaces.
If you notice any abnormalities or unusual changes in the product’s appearance, take the product to a qualified service provider.
Stop Using the Product if You Notice Unusual Sounds, Smells, or Effects
It’s important to trust your senses. If you begin using a product and it doesn’t sound, look, smell, or feel right, stop using it immediately. For example, you’d want to discontinue your use of:
- A car that makes a burning smell when you start it
- A lawnmower that makes a screeching sound when you engage the blade
- A skin cream that leaves a red, itchy rash when you apply it
- A bicycle that doesn’t handle the way it did the last time you rode it
- A detergent pod that breaks open when you handle it under normal circumstances
In these and similar situations, it’s best to avoid using the product until you discover the cause of the abnormality. Continuing to use the product without resolving the issue not only places you at risk of an injury but could also affect your right to compensation through a product liability lawsuit if you get hurt while using the product.
Heed the Manufacturer’s Warnings and Safety Recommendations
When using any product, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings. This includes wearing protective gear and taking any safety precautions the manufacturer recommends. These guidelines outline the conditions under which the manufacturer believes their product can be safely used.
The same principle applies to medications. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for any over-the-counter medication and follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s directions when taking prescription drugs. You could suffer an adverse health event or even lose your life as a result of the improper use of certain medications.
Speak With a Florida Product Liability Lawyer About Your Rights
You have certain legal rights if a consumer product harms you in any way. Don’t assume that you must bear the financial burden of medical bills and lost wages yourself. Speak with a product liability lawyer to learn whether you can seek monetary compensation from the product’s manufacturer.
When scheduling a consultation, ask your prospective attorney what you should bring to your meeting. They may wish to see the product’s packaging or instructions or the product itself. This information can help them provide more accurate legal advice and counsel about your rights.
It’s also a good idea to write down the details of the incident, including any sights, sounds, smells, or other unusual conditions you noticed before your injury. Doing so ensures that you won’t forget this potentially pivotal information when meeting with your lawyer.
You only have a limited window of opportunity to seek compensation following a dangerous product injury. Your legal rights can expire as quickly as two years following your injury if you don’t take action within that time.
Connect With Schrier Law Group Today
If you or a loved one have been hurt while using a consumer product, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries. Reach out to the experienced product liability lawyers at Schrier Law Group to request a consultation.
Our attorneys are skilled investigators, negotiators, and litigators who can advocate for you at all stages of your product liability case and tenaciously pursue compensation on your behalf against negligent manufacturers of dangerous products.
Contact us today to get assistance with your case.
