Consumer product manufacturers are often focused on producing “more power” or promoting the latest “new and improved” feature. Unfortunately, in many cases, these changes can mean increased risks for consumers. Some companies are willing to sacrifice safety if it leads to higher sales, putting people at risk of serious harm from dangerous or defective products.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty consumer product, a Charlottesville household product liability lawyer at MichieHamlett can help. Our seasoned product liability attorneys have extensive experience handling these cases in Albemarle County and the surrounding areas. We understand both the written and unwritten rules that apply, and we know what it takes to pursue fair compensation. Whether at the negotiating table or in court, we are committed to fighting for your rights.

Examples of Defective Household Products

Frequently, product makers try to make commercial-grade appliances and other items in facilities that are designed to produce consumer products. As a result, there is a good chance that a product with a latent defect is in your pantry or garage at this very moment. Some common defective items include:

  • Kitchen Appliances: Most people have at least a half-dozen electrical appliances in their kitchens. A small item, like a toaster or coffee maker, is just as likely to cause a fire or explosion as a large item, like a stove or microwave.
  • Clothes Washers: Leaky valves are the most common washing machine defects. The water that collects on the floor often causes a slip and fall. Typically, manufacturing defects cause these problems. Product makers do not design leaky washing machines. They just turn out that way, mostly because the manufacturer uses cheap components.
  • Power Tools: The “more power” rule mentioned above is especially prevalent in this area. And, the more power a tool has, the harder it is to safely use and control. That’s especially true if the user does not strictly follow all safety guidelines. This failure could set up the unforeseeable misuse defense, which is outlined below.
  • Lawn Maintenance Equipment: Flying debris from defective weed whackers, lawnmowers, edgers, trimmers, and other equipment could cause eye injuries. Other common injuries include burns, serious lacerations, and even amputations.

Other defective household products are in your drawers. For example, many knives have blades that break off during normal use.

All these injuries are subject to the unforeseeable misuse defense. Manufacturers are not legally responsible for injuries that occur in this way. An unforeseeable misuse is an extreme misuse, such as using a lawnmower to trim the ivy on a brick wall.

Examples of Defective Consumer Goods

Unsafe medical devices, dangerous drugs, and defective motor vehicle parts are the most common forms of defective consumer goods.

A metal-on-metal hip implant is a good example of an unsafe medical device. As the all-metal parts grind against each other, they release tiny metal flakes into the body. These flakes accumulate and cause metallosis (metal poisoning).

As for dangerous drugs, the opioid epidemic has killed tens of thousands of Americans over the past several decades. Many of these pain pills are more powerful and addictive than morphine or even heroin. Other medications suffer from manufacturing defects, such as NDMA contamination. N-nitrosodimethylamine is a very dangerous cancer-causing chemical.

Experts believe that millions of vehicles with defective Takata airbags are still on the road. Other common issues include defective seat belts and defective engine components.

Contact a Charlottesville Household Product Liability Lawyer Today

Defective household products and consumer goods can lead to devastating injuries and lasting consequences. For a free consultation with an experienced Charlottesville household product liability lawyer, contact us at MichieHamlett today. Do not wait too long—you have a limited amount of time to act.