It is very likely that, at some point in the past, you have received a letter or email informing you about a product you bought being recalled. While many people ignore these messages, they may place themselves and their loved ones at risk by doing so. But why exactly should you be careful about product recalls, and what might happen if you use a recalled product?

What is a Product Recall?

A product recall is when a company chooses to take a product off the market, temporarily or permanently, due to some kind of defect that makes it unsafe to use. Product recalls can be voluntarily initiated by a manufacturer when a defect is identified, or it may be involuntarily started by a government agency such as the Consumer Product Safety Council (CPSC). In some cases, a recalled product can be repaired or replaced, but in other cases, it may need to be disposed of entirely.

Why Might a Product Be Recalled?

There are a number of reasons that product recalls can occur, including a variety of potential design and manufacturing defects. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Furniture that is unable to sustain human weight
  • Electronics that are prone to short circuiting or overheating
  • Tools that break when used as directed, or which lack necessary safety features
  • Toys that contain parts that children may swallow or choke on
  • Clothing or fabric that is made from dangerously flammable material
  • Products that use toxic materials, such as lead paint or benzene
  • Products that have been contaminated by toxic impurities

What Should You Do if One of Your Products is Recalled?

If you receive a notice of a product recall, you should take care to follow whatever instructions come with the recall notice. You should avoid using a recalled product until and unless its defect can be repaired, and if it cannot be repaired or is inherently dangerous in some way, you may need to dispose of it. However, you should retain evidence that you purchased and used the product, such as receipts or photos, which can be useful in the event of litigation.

What if You Are Injured By a Recalled Product?

If you or someone you love has been harmed due to a defective product, your first priority should always be to see a doctor and get any necessary treatment. After that, however, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling product liability cases. They can help you explore your potential legal options, and ensure you get justice for the harm you suffered.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.