As consumers, we fully expect every item we buy to be safe when used as instructed and advertised. After all, these products made it through safety testing and have undergone rigorous standards to ensure they are thoroughly safe for use by the public.
Why would anyone think that something they buy can cause them serious harm unless it was used in a way other than what is specified?
Unfortunately, this is a situation that is far more common than we’d like to think, and consumers often suffer significant harm because of manufacturer problems—or due to a manufacturer’s oversight in an effort to increase profits instead of keep the public safe.
When this happens, those injured as a result of the potential defect can take legal action under product liability law. To help aid your case, it’s a good idea to understand some of the products that are most commonly defective, how they cause problems, and your rights moving forward.
Children’s Toys
How can something that is supposed to bring a child joy have the potential to cause so much harm? It’s an unfortunate situation, but there are many times when children’s toys are considered defective from some problems experienced either in the design or manufacturing process.
During the design process, a child’s product can be defective when it is planned to have sharp edges or if certain products are going to be used to make the product. It is up to the designers of the product to ensure there are no dangers before the manufacturing process.
During manufacturing, there’s a potential for parts to be made incorrectly or for something to go wrong that causes a piece to be loose. When this happens, smaller pieces can become detached and become a choking hazard, especially for younger children.
Electronics and Household Items
Home items and electronics have a long history of being defective and causing significant harm, especially when you consider how many of them can result in serious burns. Most of these are a result of a manufacturing error or due to a failure to warn on behalf of the manufacturer.
For instance, some items have the potential to have bad wiring when things are not properly connected during manufacturing. This can cause a shock when the item is set to be used, which can result in electrical burn and significant internal organ damage.
Some electronics also pose an explosion risk when they’re not used correctly or they have sharp pieces without a guard to protect the user. If an item does have an aspect of danger, the manufacturer must provide a warning informing users of the potential problems and detail that if not used properly, the item can cause harm.
Medical Devices and Drugs
Medical devices and certain prescription medications have been in the news quite a bit over the years for the potential damage they can cause users. They are far more common than many types of defects because so many people rely on medical devices and drugs to properly recover or heal from an injury or condition.
However, most medical devices and prescriptions come with warnings of potential side effects…and for good reason.
As an example, you may have heard of Cochlear implants, hip replacement implants, knee replacements, and more. These are all medical devices expected to help patients in need. Unfortunately, they can also cause serious problems when not surgically placed correctly or when there is an allergic reaction.
The same can be said for many medications. Certain medications come with a long list of potential side effects a patient may experience in certain situations, including but not limited to behavioral changes, suicidal thoughts, allergic reactions, kidney or liver problems, and more.
Automobile Parts
In many auto accidents, the two parties are quick to look at each other and place blame. This is an instinctive action. However, what happens if there is a situation stemming from someone else’s actions, like a motor vehicle or part manufacturer?
If an auto part is considered defective, it can prevent drivers from completing key actions that can help them prevent a serious accident. Some of the most famous defects that have occurred involve automotive parts and the need for serious recalls.
One situation in which an auto part may be considered defective and the manufacturer may be accountable is if there is significant wear on brake pads despite never being used. When his happens, it can cause problems braking and a severe accident can occur.
Los Angeles Product Liability Lawyers On Your Side
At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we have a firm understanding of the devastating aftermath that can develop as a result of a defective product. These items can cause significant harm, serious injuries, burns, and in the worst-case scenarios, even result in the death of a user.
Our Los Angeles product liability attorneys aim to stand with you throughout the process with a focus on helping you overcome the legal team and their determination to protect the profits of their own. We know how these types of cases are handled, what is needed to prove product liability, and how you can move forward to obtain the compensation and justice that you need and deserve.
Trust us to be your advocates when you need it most.
Call our firm today at (866) 884-1717 for a free consultation regarding your potential case. We’re the team you need.
