What To Do If A Recalled Product Injures You
Product recalls are meant to protect consumers from dangerous or defective goods. Unfortunately, recalls often happen only after people have been injured or even killed. Even worse, recalled products can remain in homes for years or continue to be sold by third-party sellers online, putting unsuspecting buyers at risk. When an unsafe product causes injury, knowing the right steps to take is critical — both for personal safety and for protecting legal rights — and the personal injury lawyer team at KBA Attorneys is here to help.
Understanding Product Recalls
A product recall occurs when a manufacturer or government agency determines that a product poses a safety risk. In the United States, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversee recalls in their respective areas.
Recalls may be issued for a variety of reasons:
- Defective design or manufacturing
- Risk of fire, choking, or electrocution
- Hazardous materials or contamination
- Missing or misleading safety instructions
While recalls aim to prevent further harm, they do not erase the damage already caused.
Examples Of Recalled Products That Have Caused Injuries
- Children’s Furniture and Gear — High chairs, cribs, and play yards recalled for fall or suffocation hazards.
- Electronics — Laptops, chargers, and batteries recalled for overheating and fire risks.
- Home Appliances — Defective space heaters and kitchen appliances linked to burns and house fires.
- Sporting and Recreational Equipment — Bicycles, e-bikes, and treadmills recalled due to mechanical failures.
These recalls often make headlines, but unsafe products can still be found in homes, resale stores, and online marketplaces long after the recall is announced.
Steps To Take If A Recalled Product Injures You
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Health and safety come first. Prompt medical care can prevent further injury and create a medical record that may be important later.
Stop Using the Product: Continuing to use a recalled product can increase the risk of further harm. Disconnect power sources, keep it out of reach of children, and store it safely.
Document the Incident: Take photographs of the product, the injuries, and any damage caused. Keep the packaging, instructions, and receipts if possible.
Check Official Recall Notices: Search the CPSC, FDA, or NHTSA recall databases to confirm the recall and gather details about the hazard.
Report the Injury: File a report with the CPSC or relevant agency. This can help prevent similar injuries to others.
Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney: Legal guidance can help determine whether a lawsuit is possible and identify all parties responsible — including manufacturers, distributors, and sellers.
How A Recalled Product Can Lead To A Personal Injury Claim
A personal injury claim is a legal action taken when someone is harmed because of another party’s negligence, misconduct, or violation of safety standards. In the case of a recalled product, the manufacturer or seller may have failed to:
- Properly design or test the product
- Warn consumers about potential risks
- Act quickly after learning about a hazard
If negligence can be proven, injured consumers may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or rehabilitation costs
How We Can Help
Our firm represents clients harmed by defective and recalled products. The firm works to hold companies accountable for selling unsafe items — whether purchased in a store, through an online retailer, or from a third-party seller.
We can:
- Investigate the Recall — Confirm the product’s history and whether similar injuries have been reported.
- Preserve Evidence — Safeguard the defective product and related documents.
- Identify All Liable Parties — Including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
- Pursue Maximum Compensation — Recovering damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Through product liability lawsuits, our firm helps clients recover financially while also pushing for greater safety standards across industries.
Preventing Injuries From Recalled Products
While it is not always possible to avoid harm, consumers can reduce risks by:
- Registering products with the manufacturer to receive recall alerts.
- Checking the CPSC, FDA, or NHTSA recall lists regularly.
- Avoid second-hand purchases of baby products, electronics, and safety equipment without confirming they have not been recalled.
- Reporting unsafe products to the proper authorities.
Final Thoughts
Recalled products are a serious public safety concern. When an unsafe item causes injury, taking quick action is key to protecting both health and legal rights.
KBA Attorneys has the knowledge and resources to help victims of recalled products seek justice and hold negligent companies accountable. By pursuing these cases, our firm helps make the marketplace safer for all consumers. If you or someone you love has been injured by a faulty or dangerous product, reach out to us today.