Mistakes To Avoid After Getting Injured By A Defective Product
We use many different products every day. When using a product, you expect that it is safe. Unfortunately, not all the products we use are safe. Injuries caused by defective products are quite common. Fortunately, after someone suffers injuries due to a defective product, they may be able to recover compensation from the company that designed or manufactured the product. However, to recover the compensation you deserve from the liable party, you will need to avoid certain mistakes after suffering your injury and over the course of the proceedings.
The following are some of the mistakes you should avoid if you were injured by a defective product.
Mistake #1: Disposing of the Product
The product is the core piece of evidence that can help you prove your case. Not preserving the defective product that caused you harm could be detrimental to your claim. It could lead to you not being able to prove your case. Indeed, keeping the product could result in someone else getting hurt. But if you keep the product away from other people’s reach, you can prevent it from hurting someone else. Also, informing other people around the home that the item is harmful could prevent them from getting hurt.
Mistake #2: Trying To Fix the Product
It is human nature to try to fix things. But, after suffering an injury due to a defective product, you should not try to fix the product. If you try fixing the defect, and the designer or manufacturer finds out, they could blame you for your injury. They may claim that you caused the defect that caused your injury. On top of risking being denied the compensation you deserve, if you try to fix a defective product, it could lead to you suffering more harm.
Mistake #3: Postponing Medical Treatment
One of the most careless things people do after getting injured by a defective product is postponing medical care. Failing to see a doctor promptly can put your health at risk. It can also affect the value of your defective product claim.
If you fail to seek medical treatment immediately after suffering an injury due to a defective product, the liable party’s insurance company might argue that you suffered your injury in a different incident. Seeing a doctor soon after suffering your injury can help you connect your injuries to the product.
If you postpone medical treatment, the insurance company could argue that you failed to take steps to mitigate your damages. After suffering injuries, you have the legal obligation to take steps to mitigate damages, such as seeing a doctor as soon as possible.
Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to File Your Claim
Lastly, you should avoid waiting too long to file your claim because the statute of limitations on your case might expire if you wait too long. And if that happens, you might lose your right to recover compensation. In South Carolina, you have three years after suffering an injury due to a defective product to file a claim against the liable party.
Contact the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm
If you’ve suffered injuries due to a defective product in South Carolina and need help recovering the compensation you deserve from the liable party, contact our Charleston personal injury lawyer at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm.
