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How Corporations Avoid Liability When Products Fail

How Corporations Avoid Liability When Products FailWe are living in a time of unprecedented technological advances. Everywhere we look, the most ordinary of items are getting upgraded to be faster, more convenient, and all around smarter. Of course, the purpose of this is simply to make the lives of others easier for a profit, but as is the case with anything man-made, these “smart” products can fail. This could be a functional issue or a design flaw, something harmless albeit frustrating, but in more extreme cases – and as we let technology deeper into our lives – these failings could pose an actual threat of physical harm.

Amongst all the new gadgetry on the market are smart devices specifically intended for home use. Sometimes, however, they inconvenience and even harm users rather than whatever their intended purpose may be. The second generation of Amazon’s Ring, a smart video doorbell, was recalled recently as a fire hazard after twenty-three of the devices caused property damage. Reports show simply using the wrong screws upon installation can ignite the doorbell into flames, and at this time, eight people have been injured because of it. Luckily, these injuries are relatively minor burns.

Large companies put profits ahead of safety

Regardless of their severity, a product should not be capable of igniting and burning its users. Large corporations are more than adept at covering their legal bases to put the onus on the users rather than themselves.

In this case, a recall attempts to do just that. Rather than having their customers return their product, they simply created a revised user manual that detailed the importance of using the correct screws in installation. Ring’s statement also makes sure to note that doorbells installed properly pose no risk of fire or injury. They say this under the guise of reassurance, but their phrasing means if you are one of the eight people burned, you may be on your own.

This is why it is important to know and understand your rights, and to find someone who can help you fight for them.

What to do

Knowing a corporation will do everything possible to defer fault does not mean you should let them get away with it. Regardless of any installation errors, it is still their product that caused injury. If you have been injured by a defective product, there are some things you can do to ensure you still have a case:

  • Make sure you keep the product in question. It may be tempting to throw it out, especially if it’s caused you harm, but you will want it in your possession to prove it’s faulty in court.
  • Do not contact the negligent company directly. Let an experienced product liability attorney handle the communication.
  • Retain all medical bills. Not only is this in case of reimbursement, but it also shows the injuries you sustained were severe enough to warrant medical attention.
  • Avoid posting anything on social media about your injury — and what caused it — that may hurt your case. It is best to keep as many details off the internet as possible.

Understand that a recall is not the same as admitting fault. It simply means they recognize there is an issue of some sort, and so it is being removed from the market and rectified. However, a recall is not necessary for you to have a case.

Proving a product is both defective and the cause of your injuries can be a complicated process, with several ways to proceed. There is no one singular way a defective product case is treated. Depending on the severity of your injuries, the particulars of the product, and the way you were harmed, your case may be handled differently.

However, if you have suffered tangible injuries after using a specific product, you should be able to pursue legal action. Your Chattanooga product liability lawyer will explore the best avenues with you to ensure you are compensated properly and fairly.

Delaying your report of an injury caused by a defective product can harm your claim, so it is important to get started as soon as you are able. The defective product attorneys at Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law advocate tenaciously for your legal rights. Call us today at 423-756-7923 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation at our office in Chattanooga. We also serve Cleveland, TN, North Georgia, and the surrounding areas.