Many product defects simply produce disappointment. Consumers buy items that they expect to last for years or to fulfill a certain function, only to have them fail. In such cases, the only loss incurred is usually the money spent on the product.
Other times, product defects can have much more catastrophic consequences for consumers. Products can fail in a dramatic and dangerous fashion, causing injuries and/or property damage. Occasionally, products with problematic design elements and those manufactured with substandard materials may explode. What makes an exploding product so dangerous and how can consumers respond?
Explosions can cause life-altering losses
There are several types of consumer goods that could potentially explode due to issues with materials or the design of the product. Historically, pressure cookers have sometimes exploded, leading to fires and severe injuries.
In recent years, devices with lithium-ion batteries are among those with the highest risk of causing an explosion due to defective design or manufacturing problems. Hoverboards, electronic devices, e-bikes and even personal vaporizers or e-cigarettes can explode while charging or in use.
When these devices explode, anyone nearby could end up injured by flying shrapnel. The explosion can cause substantial damage to nearby property and can also lead to fires. The total losses generated when a product explodes could add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more than a million dollars in cases involving house fires and serious injuries.
How do consumers protect themselves?
As soon as a product explosion occurs, people should report the matter to local authorities. They also need to document the situation themselves to help ensure that a proper investigation occurs. The more information they gather and retain, the easier it may be to establish that a product defect caused the explosion.
A thorough analysis of the product may be necessary to determine what defect was responsible for causing the explosion. People injured by defective products and dealing with the aftermath of an explosion also typically need to retain documentation of their medical expenses, lost wages and estimated property losses. The more records they have documenting the economic impact of the explosion, the easier it is to establish the harm caused by an exploding product.
The attorneys at Slaten Law, P.C. have experience handling complex product defect and personal injury cases. They can assist clients with the investigation process and with building a legal case. Their support can prove invaluable when negotiating with manufacturers or their insurance providers.
They can also manage the litigation process if going to court is the best option for securing appropriate compensation. Contacting the team at Slaten Law, P.C. by clicking here can be a smart decision for those facing a complex product defect lawsuit related to an explosion.
