As a customer, you trust manufacturers and retailers to develop and deliver products that are safe for consumer use. However, while for the most part they are, defective products can slip through the cracks and end up in your local store shelves.
Moreover, despite the many safety regulations surrounding product testing, some manufacturers ignore them and end up placing dangerous items in the market. Thus, you may end up with a harmful product in your home without your knowledge until you or your loved one gets injured.
A poorly designed or defective product can cause a lot of harm, including:
• Lost wages
• Serious injuries
• Medical bills
Therefore, it’s vital to take the necessary steps after an injury caused by a defective product since it has a huge impact on your product liability case in the future. In your product liability case, you have to prove to the court that a specific product was defective, and it caused severe injuries.
This is because, under the law, all manufacturers and retailers have the legal responsibility to develop products that meet reasonable expectations for their consumers. Hence, any manufacturer that breaches this law is held liable for any damages caused by their items.
Here are four steps that can help you handle your defective product injury properly.
1. Seek medical attention
The first step to handling your defective product injury is to seek medical care from your doctor. This way, the injuries caused do not get worse, and you or your loved ones receive treatment as soon as possible.
Additionally, the medical records from your treatment are vital in building your case against the defendant. For example, if you don’t have any medical documents supporting your defective product injury claim, the defendant can dispute your claim that their defective product caused the injury.
2. Gather and preserve evidence
Apart from your medical documents, be sure to keep records of the product/s associated with your injury. Many plaintiffs assume that having evidence is not vital to their case when it can make or break your defensive product injury claim.
Besides, the amount of evidence you have determines how much time your case will take to get resolved. Hence, before throwing out that product after an injury, think twice. Instead, store the items somewhere safe and avoid tampering with them in any way.
Also, take pictures of the product and save any other documentation regarding its purchase, such as wrapping and instruction manuals.
3. Stay off social media
Many people use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to share information and connect with friends and family. However, you don’t have to share everything going on in your personal life on social media, as it can be used against you.
For instance, sharing details about your defective product injury on Facebook can result in the defendant twisting your words. This can adversely affect the outcome of your case. Alternatively, posting photos of you living your best life, and being happy can be used as evidence that your injuries are not as bad as you claim.
Hence, take some time off social media while your case is active.
4. Hire an attorney
Product liability cases are complex, and only an experienced attorney can provide you with the right legal representation to win your case. Start by consulting with your lawyer about your lawsuit so that they can guide you on the best action to take.
Your attorney will then provide you with the necessary resources required to investigate your defective product injury.
Need an attorney?
Call Guy Levy Law today at 619-232-9900 to book a free consultation on your product liability case.
