Injuries Due to Consumer Products You Purchased

Whether it is a kitchen appliance, medical device, or automobile part, consumer products are riddled with defects that can cause serious injuries. Harm may occur when a product does not live up to how it is advertised, malfunctioning when the product is simply being used as intended. Manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and/or designers can and should be held accountable for any harm sustained due to a defective product.

At HGSK Injury Lawyers, our PA personal injury attorneys are committed to helping individuals who have experienced serious injuries due to a malfunctioning or defective product. We understand the necessity of getting compensation quickly to pay for your medical bills and other accident-incurred expenses.

Burns

Faulty space heaters, electrical appliances, and e-cigarettes are just a few examples of products that can cause severe burns. In these situations, the manufacturer or retailer may be held liable for a “failure to warn” regarding the inherent dangers of the product. A “failure to warn” claim has to meet certain requirements, including the specific danger posed by the product, its severity, and how to avoid the risk of injury.

If the warning is not provided or unclear, vague, or cannot easily be found on the packaging, then the defendant may be held strictly liable. Strict liability means that the defendant can be found legally responsible for any injuries, even if they are not found negligent.

Spinal Cord Injuries

It is estimated that 17,000 spinal cord injuries are caused by defective products each year. Damage to any portion of the bundle of nerves that runs from the base of the skull down to the tailbone can result in a spinal cord injury. Vehicle safety devices are common causes of spinal cord injuries, with airbags that deploy unexpectedly during a collision potentially crushing a person’s cervical spine. Seatbelts have also been shown to cause spinal cord injuries, either locking up prematurely or unlatching.

Asphyxiation

Toys may have design or manufacturing defects, posing a risk for younger children. While a toy should bring a child immense joy, small removable parts may pose a choking hazard. In some situations, an error in production or the assembly process may cause parts to break off a toy, causing an airway obstruction when pieces become lodged in the throat.

The issue has become of such concern that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has implemented testing and certification requirements for products designed for children 12 years of age and younger. These products are tested by a third-party to guarantee that they meet compliance standards. Even so, millions of defective toys slip through the cracks, being sold to toddlers and young children each year.

If you are in possession of a toy that has recently been recalled, be sure to remove it from your child’s reach and ship it back to the manufacturer to get a full refund.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Baby products, such as carriers, crib bedding, and strollers, have contributed to a significant number of injuries among children, including head injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when there is any strike or blow to the skull. In defective product cases, most TBIs are closed injuries. In a closed injury, although no object penetrates the skull, the brain does jostle back and forth, often causing catastrophic damage. Although crib manufacturers have improved safety measures in recent years, parents should still take caution when purchasing these products.

Eye Injuries

Household cleaners and furnishing products are laced with dangerous chemicals that can cause irritation and visual impairment, especially in the elderly. Due to the increased use of alcohol-based sanitizers, ocular injuries became more prevalent during COVID-19. When using harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, bleach, or other abrasive cleaners, it is always important to wear eye protection.

Reach Out to a PA Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Injuries from consumer products have increased substantially in the past decade. The harm you sustain may range from mild to severe, with children and adults alike experiencing long-term health consequences. Under Pennsylvania law, several parties may be held liable for consumer injuries, regardless of whether they were negligent in the creation, production, or distribution of a product. If you or a loved one has recently been injured due to an everyday product, our PA personal injury attorneys would like to hear from you.

To arrange your free consultation with a member of our legal team, contact HGSK Injury Lawyers online or by phone at (267) 551-8782.