Common Types of Defective Products That Lead to Injuries
When you purchase a product, you expect it to be safe and work as advertised. As consumers, we trust manufacturers. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes, people end up using defective products, which puts them at risk of severe injuries or even death. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2023, emergency rooms treated more than 12 million people for injuries caused by consumer products. Many of these incidents involved everyday items that people typically consider safe. Unfortunately, young children and older adults are the most affected groups. However, regardless of age, anybody can suffer harm from a defective product. In the event of an injury from a faulty product, a victim may be eligible to recover compensation.
Understanding the common types of defective products that often cause injuries can help empower consumers to stay alert and assert their rights under the law. This article discusses some common types of defective products that lead to injuries.
Types of Product Defects
Before going into some of the common types of defective products that lead to injuries, it is important that you first understand the different types of product defects. There are three main types of product defects, as discussed below;
- Design Defects: A design defect occurs when there is a problem with the product’s design. A product may have an inherently unsafe design or lack crucial safety features.
- Manufacturing Defects: These defects occur during the production process. A product may have a safe design, but a mistake during manufacturing makes it dangerous.
- Marketing Defects: A marketing defect happens when a manufacturer fails to provide sufficient instructions about a product’s use or warnings about potential risks.
All these types of product defects can cause serious harm. If a consumer suffers harm due to a design, manufacturing, or marketing defect, they may have grounds for a product liability claim.
Common Types of Defective Products That Lead to Injuries
Now, let’s look at some of the common types of defective products that may cause serious harm to consumers;
Motor Vehicles
Defective motor vehicles are a leading cause of injuries and death. Common motor vehicle defects include;
- Faulty brakes
- Defective tires
- Faulty steering systems
- Malfunctioning seat belts
Household Appliances
We use appliances in our homes every day. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for household appliances to have defects. Defects in house appliances can lead to burns, electrocutions, lacerations, and other serious injuries. Examples of household appliances that may have defects include;
- Microwaves
- Stoves or ovens
- Toasters
- Blenders
- Smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors
Children’s Products
Tragically, the products you buy for your children can cause harm. Examples of these products include;
- Toys
- Defective car seats and booster seats
- Children’s jewelry containing toxic materials
- Unsafe strollers, cribs, or high chairs
Medications
All too often, dangerous medications make their way to the market. Examples include;
- Drugs with harmful side effects
- Medications that interact negatively with others
- Drugs that lack clear safety instructions or proper testing
- Counterfeit drugs
- Contaminated drugs
Workplace Equipment
When workplace equipment is defective, the results can be disastrous. Examples of workplace equipment that may be defective include;
- Forklifts
- Scaffolding or ladders
- Conveyor belts
Food Products
Food containing bacteria, mislabeled foods, foods with foreign objects, and other unsafe food products can cause serious illnesses and injuries.
Legal Help Is Available
If a defective product harms you or a loved one, our Charleston defective product lawyer at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/consumer-product-injuries/
