Injured By A Defective Product? 4 Steps You Need To Take Right Away

When you purchase a product, you expect it to perform according to guidelines. What you don't expect is to be injured while using the product. Unfortunately, there are times when a product will fail and serious injuries will result. If you've been injured by a defective product, don't ignore the situation. The manufacturer of the product may owe you compensation for your injuries. Not only that, but by filing a claim for the injuries, you ensure that others will be made aware of the risks associated with that particular product. Here are four things you need to do if you've been injured by a defective product.

Preserve the Defective Product

If you've suffered injuries as the result of a defective product, don't toss the item into the trash. You might be tempted to get rid of it as soon as possible, but throwing the item away will hinder your ability to seek compensation for the injuries. Instead, gather the defective product, and preserve it in a safe location. If possible, place the product back into the original package, along with any paperwork that came with it.

Have Your Injuries Examined

If you haven't sought medical attention for your injuries yet, you need to do that as soon as possible, even if you think the injuries are minor. Even a minor injury can lead to serious complications, especially if an infection sets in, or there are injuries that aren't visible to the naked eye — such as nerve damage. Not only that, but you'll need proper documentation of the injuries in order to file a claim with the manufacturer.

Schedule a Legal Consultation

If you've been injured by a defective product, it's important that you schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney immediately. Product liability cases are complex legal issues that require legal assistance. This is particularly true when it comes to determining whether there's a case for product liability and the type of liability that exists. There are three basic types of product liability, which include manufacturing defects, design defects, and marketing defects.

Ask Witnesses to Come Forward

If there were witnesses present when the injuries occurred, you need to ask them to come forward. Witnesses can help piece together the events that lead up to the injuries, as well as provide details about the events that occurred during the injuries. For instance, if you were burned when an electric coffee pot exploded, witnesses can help describe any odd sounds that might have occurred just prior to the accident.

If you've suffered injuries due to a defective product, use the tips provided here to help you recover from your injuries and receive the compensation you're entitled to. If you have questions or concerns about your claim, contact a personal injury attorney near you as soon as possible.

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