Technology has advanced considerably in recent years, and many appliances continue to work well for extended periods of time. However, older appliances and even new ones can sometimes operate erratically and cause problems. In fact, a range of products that you should be able to trust for safety and reliability can sometimes lead to personal injury that is completely unexpected. Here’s what to do if you get hurt by a product that is supposed to work correctly.
Assess and Triage Your Injuries
Follow first aid techniques in addressing any apparent minor injuries. These may include burns, scalding, scrapes, bumps, open wounds, bruising, headaches, dizziness, or other symptoms that appear to be the result of a malfunctioning product. For serious injuries, apply first aid if needed, but also call Emergency Medical Services or have someone drive you to the nearest community clinic or hospital emergency department for assessment and treatment. Don’t try to fix a gaping wound or serious burn yourself, or you could waste valuable minutes needed by medical experts to address your injuries effectively.
Seek Medical Evaluation
Even if your injuries seem to be minor, it is probably a good idea to consult your doctor for a professional opinion. Surface injuries may temporarily hide deeper wounds that need to be addressed. You may feel fine after falling off a defective ladder, but you should check with your medical provider about the possibility of a concussion if you hit your head or sustained a whiplash-type injury.
Contact a Product Liability Attorney
Any injuries that result from a defective product may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer, distributor, seller, or other parties involved. Inquire about product liability attorney services to find out how they can help by researching the product to discover if there is a class action suit or if the product was recalled but you did not receive a notification. You can also learn about timelines, the legal process for filing a claim, and the types of damages that may be compensated.
Follow Professional Advice
Since the claim process may take several months or longer, some injury victims get busy with other aspects of their lives and do not always follow up with the doctor about treating their injuries or with the attorney for filing a claim. Time is important in both medical and legal realms of assistance, so follow up and heed the experts’ advice.
Getting hurt through someone else’s negligence or carelessness often causes pain and inconvenience as well as monetary losses due to sick days or doctor visits. Find out whether your injury may be compensated by consulting the professionals who can assist.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky Snowball. You can find her on Twitter at @LizzieWeakley and on Facebook at facebook.com/lizzie.weakley.
