By: Viraj Shah
Product makers have a duty to design and manufacture their products safely for the public to use in their intended fashion. Unfortunately, corners are cut, mistakes are made, and defective products make their way to the shelves for unsuspecting consumers to buy. Tragedy can strike when a defective product malfunctions and causes injury to the user that impacts their quality of life.
A legal claim against the manufacturer can be pursued with the help of a lawyer. These three steps help you make a stronger claim against the manufacturer and increase the potential for a better outcome in your favor.
Seek Medical Attention
Get medical help immediately after getting injured by a defective product. Time is of the essence when it comes to injuries, and getting prompt attention from a medical professional can make a difference in terms of how well you heal. Don’t avoid going to the ER or walk-in clinic for fear of a bill as medical providers have experience with what are known as litigation holds. They won’t bill until there’s a resolution to your claim.
Always get medical attention after receiving an injury from a defective product, no matter how minor it may seem. You’re creating necessary documentation that you were injured, and that you needed to get help from a medical provider. This helps you recover damages for your medical costs and pain and suffering.
Collect Evidence and the Defective Product
Being able to prove you owned the product at the time of the injury helps strengthen your claim, and preserving the product helps show how it failed. Look for the receipt or other proof of purchase, collect the packaging if it’s available, and place the product into a bag or container. These items make it harder for the manufacturer to push back against your claim.
In the event you don’t have everything listed above, collect what you can. It’s better to have some evidence than none at all, even if it’s just the product in its failed state.
Don’t Talk About Your Case Online
Talking about the incident online in detail serves to create evidence that can be used against you during the claims and/or trial process. Avoid saying anything about your case on social media as you don’t know who can gain access to your posts. Talking about your claim creates a record that can’t be erased from the internet, and it could give the defendant evidence that can be used in their favor.
The same caution goes for emails and texts unless it’s communication with your defective product lawyer. Conversations with your lawyer are considered privileged communication, and can’t be used against you.
Call a Product Defect Lawyer
After you’ve followed the legal steps after getting injured by a defective product, it’s time for you or a family member to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer. The product manufacturer betrayed your trust by making a defective product that caused injuries you didn’t expect to receive. You have the right to claim compensation for your injuries, and a defective product lawyer can help.
Published by: Khy Talara
