If product recalls are any indication, you probably understand that there are many hazardous products on the market. At Gardner & Rans P.C., we are aware of the harm that defective products can cause. From faulty vehicle airbags to dangerous toys, many such products have caused serious injuries or death to thousands of people in Indiana and across the country.
Product defects are generally categorized into three separate types, according to Cornell University Law School’s Legal Information Institute. These include design defects, defective manufacturing or defects in marketing. One of the most common product defects occurs during the design process when those in charge of safety fail to see the potential dangers. For example, a toy might have a projectile piece that fires too easily, increasing the risk of an eye injury to your child. It is considered a design defect if all of the toys in that line carry the same risk.
A manufacturer defect involves a single product or a small batch of products during production. A batch of over-the-counter painkiller may have been contaminated, which could be a hazard to your health if you are unfortunate enough to purchase a bottle of the contaminated medication.
When a product’s instructions or packaging fail to include important warnings or safety instructions, this is known as defective marketing. You might buy a stuffed animal for your baby that looks to be safe, especially if the packaging does not specify an age limit. If, however, the toy is not safe for children under the age of two, the marketing would be considered defective if there is no warning about suffocation, choking hazards or other dangers.
You may learn more about dangerous products by visiting our website.