When we purchase products we are well within our rights to assume that the product has been through rigorous tests and is safe for public use or consumption. If a product fails, depending on the product, this can sometimes lead to injury.
Product Liability Law
A dangerous or defective product is one that does not meet standards that we can reasonably expect. It doesn’t include products that are worn out or old.
In weighing up a product liability case we would consider the following:
- Advertising tactics used to market the product
- Instructions that came with the product
- The purpose or use for which it was intended
- When the product was purchased
- The circumstances of the accident and what has caused your injury
Faulty types of product
This can be literally anything that you have purchased that, when used or consumed in the manner that it is supposed to be, has harmed you in the process. There are a number of ways in which a faulty product can end up in your hands. Sometimes manufacturers are aware of the fault but fail to recall them in time, some products are poorly designed or are faulty as a consequence of poor manufacturing processes. Some manufacturers fail to carry out adequate checks. The manufacturers have a responsibility to the consumer.
Examples of faulty products include:
- Household furniture such as an office chair that collapses under your weight. Some quite serious back accidents have happened this way.
- Electricals -washing machines, dishwashers, hair dryers, irons and any other electrical appliances with faulty electrics have the capacity to cause electric shocks or fire leading to burns and other such personal injuries.
- Food – whether from a supermarket, restaurant, deli or other such vendor – they should all know how to keep their food fit for consumption and prevent food poisoning
- Defective toys, games or equipment
Making a Defective Product Claim
If you would like to make a defective product claim, you need to be able to prove that the injury was caused by the product; taking pictures will help with this. You should also keep any receipts relating to the product purchase and get in contact with any witnesses if there were any. Your claim must be made within 3 years of the accident taking place.
If you think you can make a claim or just need some expert advice, feel free to give us a call on our freephone number 0800 002 9577, or fill in our claim form and one of our solicitors will get back to you as soon as possible.
Mark Reynolds Solicitors operate on a No Win No Fee basis meaning that we charge you nothing if your case is lost.