5 Common Defective Products & How to Stay Informed

Every year in the United States, people are injured or become ill as the result of a defective product. Defective product cases seek to hold the manufacturers responsible for their negligence, but consumers can also take steps to protect their families. By better understanding which products are most commonly defective and how to stay informed about recalls, you can better avoid a bad product experience.

The Most Common Defective Products

There are several products that are commonly the source of recall notices within the United States

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Certain medications have resulted in illnesses and injuries to consumers. The Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch, for example, has led to serious complications involving blood clots. Other medications like Seroquel and Zyprexa have also been scrutinized for their potential complications.

Medical Equipment

Medical devices are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, recent recalls have been initiated on equipment like Baxter dialysis filters and Sulzer knee and hip implants.

Household Items

Household items can also be determined as dangerous once consumers start using them. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, several household items were recalled during October 2014, including a set of hanging lamps that posed an injury risk, an outdoor patio set that created a fall hazard, and a riding lawnmower that may experience problems with brake control.

Food

Unsafe hygiene and food handling practices can cause major food recalls throughout the country, and possible contamination has resulted in the recall of beef, chili peppers, rice crackers, and pudding within the last month.

Toys

Many toys are released to the public before retailers and manufacturers realize that they actually pose a danger to the health and safety of the children that play with them. The most recent toy recall was announced on October 15, 2014, at which time Toys 'R Us decided to recall a play toaster set due to a possible choking hazard.

Keep Your Family Safe by Staying Informed

While a defective product lawyer can help you to get the compensation you deserve if you are injured or become ill due to a defective product, there are several things you can do to keep your family safe:

Regularly review government websites like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Recalls.gov for up-to-date recall information.
Always register your products. Car seat and appliances. Car recalls can be reported to you immediately if the company already has your contact information.
Download a product recall app to your mobile device to get the most up-to-date recall information possible.

5 Common Defective Products: How to Stay Informed