If you or someone you love is injured by a defective product, it is important that you know what to do next so that you can not only recover fully, but also give yourself the best chance at receiving fair and just compensation for what you’ve had to endure.

Between March 2016 and March 2017, there were over 5,000 product recalls in the United States. That’s a shockingly high number, and it speaks to the fact that many companies are scrambling to put products on the shelves without following the right steps to make sure those products are safe.

Quite simply, this is wrong, and you should not have to pay for their mistakes. Below, we’re going to go over the specific steps you need to take after the injury occurs to protect your rights.

Document everything

After you have been injured, it can be difficult to think clearly, but if there is one thing you need to keep in mind, it’s this: record everything. The more you record, then the better chance you have of your case being taken seriously.

Take down all the details, including the date and time you interacted with the product, any product codes or manufacturing imprints, and all the actions involved. You will need to record exactly what you did and how the product worked – and didn’t – to the court determine liability. This is important for getting the maximum amount in a product liability lawsuit.

See a doctor

 

Your medical records are one of the strongest forms of evidence you can provide to support your injury claim. Because of this, you should never wait to seek medical help. Additionally, even a scrape, blister, or minor burn can turn into an infection. Sometimes seemingly minor issues can be bigger than you think, or lead to more problems in the future. So, seeing a doctor protects you in multiple ways.

Check the warning label

Almost every product comes with a warning these days, but not all product warnings are comprehensive. If you are experiencing side effects or hazards that weren’t on the label or packaging, you may have grounds for a product liability case. However, the opposite is also true. If the packaging warns of headaches and you get a headache after using the product, it’s going to be a lot harder to win your claim.

Don’t wait to take action

In the state of New York, there is a strict time limit to file a product liability suit. From the time you realize that you have been injured by a product, you have three years to file. So it’s important to keep track of the timing of your injury. Wait too long, and your opportunity to receive compensation will expire.

Consult with an experienced attorney

Product liability cases are complicated. Several parties may be held liable for damages, including the product designer, manufacturer, and distributor. Moreover, companies often put up a big fight against product liability cases.

Product liability is typically based on three factors: negligence, warranty breaches, or strict liability. A skilled New York injury attorney who has experience with other product liability cases will understand what you need to fight your legal battle with success.

Don’t let a negligent company get away with causing you harm. With the help of a skilled attorney who will fight on your behalf, you can get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Reach out today for your free consultation and case review.