Manufacturers, advertisers, and retailers owe customers a certain duty of care to produce, market, and sell products that are safe for their intended use. Unfortunately, that does not stop millions of defective products and contaminated food items from hitting the shelves every single year.
In 2016 alone, for example, 24 different kinds of toys were recalled, as were 764 food items. Additionally, various automakers issued 927 different campaigns to recall a total of 53.2 million individual vehicles.
The fact that safety recalls span virtually every industry highlights just how dangerous the life of a modern consumer can be. No one plans on sustaining serious injuries when using a particular product for its intended purpose, but that is the sad reality for many individuals who have purchased defective products.
If you were hurt while using a defective product, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the parties who are liable for the damages you incurred; however, it will take extensive research and lengthy negotiations to secure the compensation you deserve. Since you should be focusing on your health, it is wise to hire a personal injury attorney who can handle all the legal proceedings on your behalf.
Contact Ballard Law, PLLC to discuss your case and establish the best way to proceed. William E. Ballard will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Madison.
Read on to learn what you should do if you sustain injuries while using a defective product:
- Seek Medical Attention
Your health is your main priority, so visit your doctor or a local urgent care center as soon as possible, even if you did not sustain injuries that require emergency medical attention. Make sure you save all documentation regarding your diagnosis and any treatments that your healthcare provider recommends.
- Save the Product
If the product is dangerous, you may simply want to dispose of it so no one else in your household gets hurt; however, you should save it if at all possible so you can use it as evidence when building a personal injury claim. Wrap it up, tell the other adults in your family not to use it, and store it in a place where the children in your home will not be able to access it.
- Gather Any Relevant Documentation
If the product came with an instruction manual, see if you can find it and put it in a safe place. If you no longer have any of the original packaging for the item, look up the make and model online; most manufacturers provide manuals on their website for consumers to print at home. The sales receipt and any documentation regarding maintenance or repairs will also be helpful when building your claim.
- Call an Injury Lawyer
As soon as your health has stabilized and you feel well enough to pursue a claim, call a personal injury attorney. Your lawyer will help you build a strong case, calculate damages, and negotiate for a fair settlement.
If you were hurt when using a defective productive and you want to file a claim against the manufacturer or retailer, contact Ballard Law, PLLC. A Madison personal injury attorney from our team will help you navigate the complicated legal proceedings and secure the most favorable outcome possible.
Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation. You can learn more about personal injury claims in Mississippi by visiting USAttorneys.com.
