Know Your Rights: How to File a Complaint Against Defective Products
Faulty products result in numerous injuries annually that necessitate urgent medical attention. Approximately 11 million individuals received treatment in emergency departments in 2020 due to injuries stemming from faulty products. For those injured, there are pathways to proceed. These pathways encompass seeking and securing compensation for damages, healthcare costs, income lost from injuries, among other things. Here are the actions an injured party can undertake to lodge a complaint regarding a defective product.
Talk to a Lawyer About the Case
It is always a good idea for the victim to speak with a lawyer about the case. For minor injuries, there may not be a court case because the expenses involved are too low and the manufacturer may be willing to provide a settlement. For a situation involving serious injuries, on the other hand, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer like one from JMLawyer.com about the case. The victim may need legal assistance to receive a sufficient settlement to cover all damages related to the defective product.
Gather Evidence of How the Injuries Occurred
The victim will want to make sure they gather as much evidence as possible about how the injuries occurred. Take good photos of the defective product to make sure it’s possible to see how the accident happened or what caused the accident. It is a good idea to save these photos somewhere safe. On top of this, write down an account of what happened and how the accident occurred. Be sure to include whether the manufacturer’s instructions were followed, what the use of the product was, and anything else that could be important.
Obtain Medical Bills and Reports for Injuries
If compensation is requested, it is important to be able to show how much is justified. Obtain copies of medical bills and reports related to the injuries. The medical bills help to show the total amount paid to receive treatment for any injuries. The reports help detail the injuries, what care was needed, and how much of an impact this may have on the victim as far as going to work or getting back to their normal life as soon as possible.
Save the Defective Product
Do not toss the product that was defective. If possible, save the product, as it may be needed to help show what happened and how the injuries could have been caused. This won’t work with some products, like prescription medication, but it is necessary for any physical products that may have failed during normal use.
Consider All Options for Moving Forward
There are various ways to handle the defective product, including talking to the manufacturer and requesting compensation, filing a report with the right agency, or filing a case in court and requesting compensation to cover any losses that occurred because of the accident. A lawyer can help the victim determine which option is right for their case as well as help handle the case if needed.
If you have been injured because of a defective product, now’s a good time to speak with a lawyer and learn more about your case. They will be able to help you gather evidence, make sure the product is stored properly if needed, and file a request for compensation.
