If you’re like most people, you use hundreds of products every day, from your alarm clock and coffee maker to your washing machine and dishwasher. As such, the last thing you expect is to sustain an injury caused by one of these standard household appliances. Unfortunately, however, defective products can often lead to a number of serious injuries, leaving you in pain with piling medical bills. As such, if you’ve been injured due to a defective home appliance, the following blog explores the important steps to take after an injury and how Baltimore County product liability attorneys can help you fight for compensation from the negligent party responsible for your injuries.
What Should I Do After Sustaining an Injury Caused by a Defective Product?
In the event you have sustained an injury caused by a product defect, it’s critical to take the necessary steps to preserve evidence and protect yourself. As such, you should not throw the item away or try to repair it. Instead, leave it in the same condition, as this can be used as important evidence to help your claim. You should also take photos and videos of the appliance, as well as locate the boxes, manufacturer’s manual, and receipts, as these can help determine liability.
You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible for the injuries you sustained. Failing to do so can not only result in the worsening of your injuries, but it can also impact the strength of your claim. When you fail to obtain medical care, the negligent party can claim that you did not mitigate damages, thus resulting in the worsening of your injuries. In addition, they may claim that your injuries were not as severe as you allege them to be because you did not seek immediate care. You should keep all medical records related to the injuries you’ve suffered, as these can help support your personal injury claim.
What Are Common Injuries That a Defective Home Appliance Can Cause?
Unfortunately, some of the most common product defects, especially for home appliances, are burns. When a defective product overheats or catches fire due to faulty wiring, it can not only result in serious damage to your home, but it can also leave you with severe burn injuries.
Additionally, faulty wiring or short circuits can lead to serious injuries like nerve damage, heart attacks, and muscle injuries.
However, you may also find that you can sustain injuries like cuts and lacerations from appliances like blenders or food processors due to defective blades.
Who Can Face Liability for My Injuries?
Determining liability for product defects can be difficult, as there are a number of important factors that you’ll need to consider in these matters. Generally, you’ll find that the product manufacturer will most often be held liable, as issues with the design or manufacturing of the product can lead to hazards.
However, a retailer may face liability, especially if they knowingly sold a defective product or stored a product improperly, resulting in damage and subsequent injuries. In some instances, repair technicians or third-party installers can face liability if they improperly assemble or install faulty parts, subsequently leading to injuries.
Sustaining injuries caused by defective products can be incredibly overwhelming and upsetting, which is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you through these complicated legal matters. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.