Through both online marketplaces and brick-and-mortar stores, billions of products are purchased by US consumers every year. The majority of these items are safe and function as intended, but some contain flaws that make them defective and dangerous. When reports of malfunctions, injuries, and other losses are reported, they make the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall list. By the end of the year, there will be hundreds of products that are recalled, but a few from the first half of 2023 are notable.
If you were hurt because of a defective product, you may have rights under Maryland product liability laws. Victims can recover compensation for a range of physical, emotional, and financial losses. In many cases, you will be up against a large corporation with a solid legal team, so it is crucial to consult with an Owings Mills defective product lawyer right away. Here is a summary of the critical product recalls for the year so far.
List of Major Recalls January to June 2023: The information is constantly being updated, so many families and parents of children should check it periodically. Some of the most disturbing CPSC recalls include:
- Autumn Theme Candles: These 4×4 inch candles were recalled in February because the candle wicks were placed too close to the rim of the glass container. The overheating caused the glass to explode potentially leading to burns and cuts.
- Table Seating Highchairs: Children’s products are always a concern, especially when they fail and lead to falls. The legs on these highchairs could buckle, causing the unit to tip over or collapse.
- Adult Bike Helmets: The sole purpose of a helmet is to protect your head, but these models failed to meet the task. The positioning of the helmet does not conform to the skull shape, only affecting units designed to fit a specified circumference.
How Recalls Work in Product Liability Cases: While it might seem like a product recall would mean you are automatically entitled to damages, product liability cases do not work that way. You must prove the basis of liability, such as breach of warranty, negligence, or strict liability.
Still, a product recall is very powerful as evidence for proving the necessary facts with these cases, because they often identify:
- A manufacturing error, when the recall specifies that only certain lots are affected;
- A design error, which is a mistake that impacts all products created according to the flawed blueprint; and,
- Labeling mistakes and failure to warn, where a manufacturer fails to include appropriate information about the dangers of using the product.
Consult with a Baltimore Defective Product Attorney About Options
Product recalls are useful for protecting yourself before being injured by a defective product, but you can see that they do not necessarily mean a win in a product liability case. For more information about your rights, please contact Furman | Honick Law at 410-844-6000 or via our website. We can set up a free case assessment at our Owings Mills or Baltimore offices.
Source:
cpsc.gov/Recalls