Common Types of Defective Products That Can Cause Accidents
Consumer protection is a key aspect of product liability. Manufacturers must be held accountable for ensuring their products are safe for use. When defective products enter the market, they pose a significant risk to consumers, leading to accidents, injuries, and sometimes even fatalities. As personal injury lawyers, we want to share some of the most common types of defective and hazardous products to help increase public safety and awareness.
Defective Automotive Products
Automobiles are inherently dangerous due to their combination of high speeds and significant mass. The kinetic energy generated at high speeds, coupled with the mass of a vehicle, increases the severity of collisions, leading to a greater risk of serious injuries or fatalities. Accordingly, defective automotive products can be particularly risky:
- Faulty brakes: Brake failures are a significant hazard as they can result in an inability to stop or slow down a vehicle promptly. Accidents caused by brake failures can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, especially in high-speed situations.
- Defective airbags: Airbags are designed to provide crucial protection in the event of a collision. However, defects can lead to non-deployment, late deployment, or unintended deployment. Inaccurate airbag deployment can cause injuries or fail to protect occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of head, neck, and chest injuries.
- Steering system defects: Malfunctions in the steering system, such as defects in power steering components, can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle. Accidents caused by steering defects can result in collisions, rollovers, and serious injuries, particularly if drivers are unable to navigate or avoid obstacles.
Dangerous Consumer Goods
Many consumer goods are essential for daily activities and routines. Some products are made to improve convenience; others are made for the sake of novelty, with the aim of entertaining the buyer. Some infamous consumer goods that were proven to be dangerously defective include:
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7: Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 faced a widespread recall due to a defect in the lithium-ion battery, which caused the smartphone to overheat, catch fire, or explode. The defect posed a severe safety risk to consumers.
- Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper: Fisher-Price recalled its Rock ‘n Play Sleeper after it was linked to multiple infant deaths. The inclined sleep surface was associated with a risk of suffocation, prompting concerns about the product’s safety and leading to a recall.
- Peloton Tread+: Peloton recalled its Tread+ treadmill after reports of injuries and one child’s death. The design of the treadmill posed a risk, as it had an exposed moving belt, leading to incidents where children and pets were pulled underneath.
- Hoverboards: Hoverboards, popular self-balancing scooters, faced recalls and bans in several countries due to issues with overheating batteries and fires. Safety concerns arose from defects in the lithium-ion battery packs, leading to incidents of hoverboards catching fire while in use or charging.
Hazardous Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
The healthcare industry is not exempt from product liability concerns. Defective pharmaceuticals and medical devices can cause harm to patients, leading to severe health complications. Examples include medications with undisclosed side effects or faulty medical devices that malfunction during use, such as a pacemaker or insulin pump.
Marketing unsafe drugs or distributing faulty medical equipment raises ethical and legal questions, as it endangers the well-being of patients. Legal consequences for pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers may include hefty fines and compensatory damages.
Seeking Legal Recourse
When individuals believe they have been injured by a defective product, taking prompt and appropriate action is essential to protecting their right to legal recourse. Preserving evidence, seeking medical attention, and documenting the incident are essential steps to strengthen a potential personal injury case. In such situations, consulting an experienced Santa Ana product liability attorney is in your best interest.
Your attorney can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, time missed from work, pain and suffering, and more. They will investigate to determine who caused your injury in order to hold the responsible party accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Getting Justice for Your Defective Product Injuries
Defects in automotive products, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices can have serious consequences, resulting in injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress for victims and their loved ones. Seeking legal recourse is essential for holding negligent manufacturers accountable for the harm they caused.
If you have been injured by a defective product in Santa Ana, you shouldn’t have to wait any longer for the help you need. Contact HN Injury Lawyers to get started on your case. We’re here to explore your legal options, protect your rights, and fight tirelessly for the compensation you need to care for yourself and your family.
Call us at (657) 333-5726 for a free consultation. We’re ready to get you the justice you deserve.
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