Consumers purchase products with the assumption that the item was thoroughly tested for safety. Unfortunately, thousands of injuries each year can be traced to defective, dangerous or faulty products ranging from furniture and toys to power tools and industrial equipment. Injuries caused by defective items can be serious including lacerations, broken bones, shock injuries, burn injuries or amputation.
In general, the various types of product defects tend to fall into three categories:
- Design phase defects: It is not uncommon for products to begin life as faulty items due to poor planning. Failure to account for danger or the suggested use of potentially unsafe materials could all lead to injuries or deadly conditions for consumers.
- Manufacturing phase defects: When the product is being manufactured or assembled, errors might occur such as failure to smooth out rough edges, exposed screws, unprotected sharp corners or faulty wiring.
- Marketing material defects: The marketing materials can directly impact a product’s safety in numerous ways. Failure to alert consumers of danger, for example, or unclear instructions in the product manual can all lead to serious injury.
While some products can be considered inherently unsafe, designers and manufacturers need to take every necessary step to ensure consumers are protected from danger. An example of an unavoidably unsafe product is an electric carving knife. If the knife is dulled to prevent potential injuries, it would be useless in its intended purpose.
Injured individuals can seek monetary compensation through a product liability claim. Depending on the facts of the case, these individuals might be entitled to compensation for lost wages and medical treatment. No matter your specific circumstances, it is wise to discuss your options with an experienced personal injury attorney.