While some products might be inherently dangerous, consumers purchase items in good faith that the product has been tested and the manufacturing process exceeds industry safety standards. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for consumers to get seriously injured by using products deemed safe by the manufacturer.
The injuries themselves are limitless ranging from lacerations to infections to the spread of disease. The causes of these injuries, however, often fall into four categories, including:
- Faulty manufacturing: The entire process from the design phase to the actual construction of the item needs to run smoothly with an eye toward consumer safety. Sharp corners, jagged edges or exposed screws might all cause serious lacerations leading to infection or other tissue damage. All stages of the process must be carefully monitored and tested for safety.
- Contaminated materials: Products could be contaminated due to poor material selection such as lead-based coloring or asbestos-adjacent talc. The products could also be contaminated during the production phase. Whatever the case may be, consumers run the risk of dangerous contact.
- Defective packaging: Manufacturers must balance the cost of production against shipping cost, retail displays and consumer ease. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for packaging to contain sharp edges or jagged plastic that could injure users.
- Inadequate instructions: If a user manual or assembly instructions fail to mention dangerous elements of the process, consumers can be seriously injured. From electrical shock warnings to sharp edges, consumers must be made aware of potential hazards.
When consumers are injured by a defective or faulty product, the company responsible can often be held liable. In a product liability case, individuals often seek out the manufacturer or seller as the party responsible for placing a defective product in the hands of the consumer. These claims are often complex, requiring the guidance of an experienced legal professional.