Everyday products are supposed to make life easier and safer. Unfortunately, some items reach the market with hidden dangers that put consumers at risk. When a product has a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or lacks proper safety warnings, it may become the subject of a product liability claim.
Many people don’t realize how often recalls happen, or how many common items are involved. From vehicles to household appliances, defective products can cause all sorts of serious injuries, ranging from burns to life-threatening health conditions. Understanding the types of products that frequently appear in product liability claims can help you recognize whether you may have a potential case, especially if a product hurt you or a loved one.
Automotive Parts and Vehicles
Defective auto parts are one of the most common causes of product liability cases. Faulty brakes, defective airbags, tire blowouts, and ignition switch failures have all been tied to major recalls in recent years. When a car part doesn’t function the way it should, the result can be a serious crash with devastating consequences. Because vehicles are widely used, even a single defect may impact thousands of drivers across the country.
Pharmaceuticals
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are expected to be safe when used as directed. Unfortunately, some medications later prove to have dangerous side effects, such as increased cancer risk, internal bleeding, or organ damage. In some cases, manufacturers may have failed to conduct adequate testing or downplayed the severity of known risks. For patients who trust these medications, the consequences can be life-changing.
Medical Devices
Medical devices are designed to improve health, but when they malfunction, they can put patients at serious risk. Examples include hip implants that fail prematurely, surgical mesh that causes internal damage, or pacemakers that stop working correctly. Because these devices are used inside the body, defects can be especially harmful and may require additional surgeries or long-term medical care.
Children’s Products and Toys
Few areas of product safety are as sensitive as children’s products. Toys with choking hazards, strollers with faulty locking mechanisms, cribs with unsafe designs, or products containing toxic materials have all been the subject of recalls. Parents rely on manufacturers to put safety first, but when defects slip through, children may be exposed to significant harm.
Household and Consumer Goods
Household products can present unexpected dangers. Defective appliances that overheat and catch fire, electronics with exploding batteries, unstable furniture that tips over, and cleaning supplies with unsafe chemical concentrations are just a few examples. Because these products are so common, defects can affect entire households in communities across the United States.
Food and Beverage Products
Even the food we eat can be dangerous if proper safety measures aren’t followed. Food recalls frequently involve contamination from bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli. Other cases involve mislabeled packaging that fails to warn consumers of allergens like peanuts or dairy. Unsafe food can quickly lead to widespread illness, especially when products are distributed nationally.
What to Do if You Suspect a Defective Product Caused Harm
If you believe a defective product may have caused an injury or illness, there are important steps to take:
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Keep the product, packaging, and receipt, if possible. Store the product where children and pets cannot access it.
- Document your injuries, symptoms, and expenses.
- Talk to an attorney about filing an injury claim.
While not every product-related injury leads to a legal claim, speaking with an attorney can help you determine whether you may be eligible to pursue compensation.
Choose a Trusted Team for Product Liability Lawsuits
From auto parts to children’s toys, defective products appear in nearly every category of consumer goods. When they fail, the consequences can be serious. If you or a loved one were harmed by a product that was supposed to be safe, you should explore your legal options with the help of our attorneys from Friday & Cox LLC in Pittsburgh. We can review your situation, explain your legal options, and support you at every step along the way if you have a case that justifies legal action.
Call (412) 900-8250 and request a product liability case consultation at no cost to you.