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Is it a good idea to check for product recalls?

On Behalf of | Aug 15, 2019 | Product Liability

Like many other West Virginia residents, you expect the products you buy to be safe and free from any defects that can harm you and your family. Unfortunately, at the Gellner Law Offices, we have seen numerous cases in which a faulty product caused significant damages and injuries. You and other West Virginia residents may want to take precautions that include learning about recent recalls and accident reports before an accident occurs.

In most cases, you do not need to worry about the home appliances, power tools or food that you purchase. However, some products may carry unforeseen risks. Your favorite foodcould have come from a batch that was contaminated with the Listeria bacterium. The doll you bought your daughter for her birthday may have a part that easily breaks off and creates a choking hazard. Your new car could have a faulty brake system that goes out a few months after purchase. In any of these instances, you might not realize the product you brought home was harmful until after someone in your family became sick or was injured.

It may be wise to regularly check Recalls.gov for information on accidents, illnesses and product recalls, especially when making a new purchase. This website is a compilation of incident reports and recalls from official agencies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. By checking for recalls, you raise the chances of discovering a product you own is potentially dangerous before something bad occurs.

As our page on harmful products explains, you may be eligible for compensation if a defective product has affected you or your family. Products are presumed safe for their intended purpose. When they are designed or manufactured defectively injuries can occur.