Millions of Americans suffer harm due to defective or unsafe products annually. The severity of these incidents ranges from minor injuries that do not require hospitalization to life-changing injuries and even fatalities.
You could be entitled to compensation if you suffered injuries caused by a defective product. Manufacturers and other parties in the distribution chain are responsible for the safety of their consumers and can be liable for injuries caused by a faulty product.
What constitutes a defective product?
A product is said to be defective if there are flaws in its manufacture, design or marketing that make it unreasonably dangerous. For instance, insufficient safety warnings or improper labeling can make a product risky to a potential user.
Here is what you need to do if you suffered injuries caused by a defective product.
Get medical attention
The first thing you need to do is see a doctor. Seeking medical treatment is not just for your health and well-being. It could also help a potential product liability claim. You may need to prove the nature or extent of your injuries, and a doctor’s report can come in handy.
Gather relevant evidence
It is advisable to have evidence of the incident. Do not discard or attempt to fix the product after the fact. You may tamper with crucial evidence. Take photos of the aftermath and put the product in a safe place alongside any packaging materials, instruction manual and purchase receipts.
Seek legal guidance
You may have a valid product liability claim, but you need to get through a process to get compensated. For instance, you need to identify the potentially liable parties, assess your damages and probably head to court.
As such, it is in your best interests to reach out for assistance so that you can build your case, protect your interests and work toward a successful outcome.