Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
When you think about the most common factors behind personal injuries, you probably assume that motor vehicle crashes and accidents on property will top the list. To a certain extent, this is true, but you are not always safest under your own roof. There are some hazards that may be lurking in your own home without you knowing, and they can lead to injuries when you least expect it. Some of these consumer products are unsafe by their nature, while others are only dangerous because they contain a defect that could lead to injuries. Many disproportionately affect children and the elderly, while others pose a risk for anyone in the household.
If a defective product in your home caused injuries, it is important to reach out to a Miami products liability attorney who can advise you on your legal options. Meanwhile, review this list of dangerous items, check your home, and make necessary adjustments to protect your family.
- Anything Subject to a Product Recall: You might read an occasional news story about a massive recall of defective products, but there are many issues that do not make headlines. To keep your home safe, visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall List (CPSC) from time to time. If there is a dangerous item in your home, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to handle it.
- Electronics Powered by Lithium Ion Batteries: Numerous portable devices and electronics use rechargeable lithium ion batteries, which are known to explode or cause fires in certain conditions. The reason behind injury-causing incidents is that these batteries contain a flammable material that can ignite when damaged or not properly charged.
- Unsecured, Top-Heavy Furniture: Children are especially at risk of “tip-overs” from dressers, TV stands, and other tall or narrow pieces. The CPSC reports that more than 15,000 victims head to the emergency room every year for injuries due to top-heavy furniture, and around one-third of them involve TVs. Install the strap provided by the furniture manufacturer and consider a wall mount for the large screen.
- Window Blinds and Cords: Many injuries in this category involve children getting tangled up in the cords that are within their reach. Between 1990 and 2015, 271 children suffered fatal injuries – many of which were strangulation. To prevent accidents, tie up or secure the cords with the devices that most manufacturers include in the packaging. Whenever possible, install blinds and other fixtures away from cribs and beds.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Miami Products Liability Lawyer
Any common household item can be dangerous, but the fact that you suffered harm does not automatically mean you have legal rights. You can only seek compensation from a manufacturer if a defect in the design, manufacturing process, or labeling was the direct cause of your injuries. To learn more about your options in products liability claim, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA. We can set up a no-cost case evaluation to meet with you at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.