Products that we use every day – household items, toys, personal care items – must meet safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, many defective products slip through the cracks and cause injuries or fatalities to consumers. When products are designed or manufactured improperly or do not carry warnings about potential hazards, an injured consumer may have a product liability case against the manufacturer and possibly other parties, such as the retailer.
As product liability attorneys serving New York, we have seen many defective product injuries. They happen more than you expect. A poorly designed or defective product injury can result in injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. If you or a loved one is injured by a defective product, taking these steps will help your product liability lawyer with your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Immediately seek medical care for any injuries and follow up with the doctor / medical professional as advised. Medical records of injuries sustained can be strong evidence in a case.
Save the Product
If possible, preserve the faulty product that caused the injury. Do not tamper with it. The defective product is often crucial evidence to prove liability. If saving it is not possible, take photos of it. If you have a receipt of the purchase and/or the owner’s manual, save those as well.
Document the Accident & Healing Process
Take photos and record notes about the scene of the accident and how the accident happened. Keep notes and photos of your injury and your healing process, including pain level, psychological effects, and how it has impacted your daily activities.
Do Not Post on Social Media or Publish Online Reviews
Although it may be tempting to share your experience, it is highly recommended that you refrain from sharing your accident and/or injuries on social media, or publishing online reviews about the incident, because anything that you post can be used negatively against you if you go to trial.
Contact an Experienced Products Liability Attorney
Product liability cases can be complicated, involving multiple parties and federal law. If you have been injured by a defective product and feel like you may have a lawsuit, contact a product liability attorney who has the experience, understanding, and success in representing victims of faulty products. Often product liability cases have a time limitation, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Kramer, Dilof, Livingston & Moore (KDLM) has recovered millions of dollars in product liability cases. If you’ve been injured by a product due to faulty design or manufacturing error, contact us to discuss your situation to determine if you have a case. Call us at (212) 618-6800 to schedule a no-charge consultation.