HURT BY A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT?

You have certain rights as a consumer if you decide to purchase a product. When a person uses a product in a reasonable manner and that product causes injury, the manufacturer, wholesaler or seller may be liable. Think of a hairdryer that emits a dangerous shock or a child’s toy that contains small, sharp pieces: consumers should be able to use these products as they are intended to be used without worrying about being hurt. Unfortunately, people get injured every day by common products and devices. When a product malfunctions, it can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries.

Products liability law allows consumers to seek compensation when a product harms them. Compensable injuries can result from several types of wrongdoing on the part of the manufacturer, wholesaler or seller, such as negligence; design defects; manufacturing defects; lack of proper warning or instructions; and unreasonably dangerous conditions of the product.