We use household items so often in the course of an ordinary day that we don’t often think about the risks they involve. Burns, cuts, shocks, even suffocation – these are just some of the injuries you could suffer when using a product that is defective.
Word Liability
According to research from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, consumer products injured more than 38 million people in 2010 – and almost 36,000 victims died while handling everyday household objects. The top culprits are all items you could find in your own home: stairs, beds, mattresses, pillows, chairs and sofas.
People who have been injured by defective products often have to deal with both physical pain and financial hardship. Medical bills can cost a veritable fortune, and some victims cannot return to work.
If you were injured by a defective product in New Mexico, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC. Mr. Branch is an Albuquerque personal-injury attorney who will explain your legal options.
Our injury lawyers have been representing victims of accidents and injury since 1997. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also learn more about product liability lawsuits by visiting http://personal-injury.usattorneys.com/new-mexico/.
Here is a brief overview of three categories of product defects:
- Manufacturing Defects
Companies that make and sell consumer products regularly deal in mass production, constructing hundreds of thousands of items at once. This means a new product moves from the concept stage to the shelf incredibly quickly – and along the way, all kinds of things can go wrong.
A manufacturing defect is a flaw that was introduced in the making of the product. Usually, this takes place at the factory where it was put together, and the item will differ in some way from its original design.
- Design Defects
Unlike manufacturing defects, design flaws do not stem from poor-quality materials or subpar workmanship. These products are inherently dangerous because they have been carelessly conceptualized from the beginning.
Unfortunately, designing a profitable good is often more enticing than creating a safe product. These flaws are common when items use an innovative feature or new technology. So much of the focus is drawn to showcasing what is new and exciting that the welfare of the consumer can be forgotten in all the hype.
- Inadequate Warnings
Many products are designed and manufactured in the knowledge that they may be potentially dangerous to consumers if used incorrectly or carelessly. These items should be fitted with clear warnings and adequate instructions. If you were injured while using a product that did not come with sufficient warnings, then you may have grounds for a personal-injury claim.
If the incident happened in New Mexico, turn to The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC. An Albuquerque personal-injury attorney can guide you through the claims process and help you avoid mistakes such as accepting a low settlement. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 505-207-4401.