When you think of product liability cases, medical devices, prescription drugs and automobiles may come to mind. While these may make bigger headlines due to their size and scope, they are not the only types of products to cause severe harm.

Even the most minor  household item can be unsafe  and lead to personal injury by falling apart, malfunctioning or negatively altering your long-term health. How do you know what these things are, and what should you do about them?

Dangerous products

Things you use every day can come with the risk of causing injury or illness. Examples of such items include personal care products, makeup, electronic devices, frozen food, children’s toys (not just ones for babies), furniture and small appliances. Their defects are the result of poor quality in design, manufacturing or labeling, leading to dangers such as:

These problems are not limited to low-grade, no-name companies but often involve major national brands.

Recalls

If you are fortunate, you will find out about a dangerous product through a recall. Some companies recall goods on their own voluntarily, even if no injuries have occurred. Other times, the government has to mandate a company to recall merchandise. You can keep track of all recalls through the  Consumer Product Safety Commission  and the  Food and Drug Administration.

If you are unfortunate, you will experience firsthand the side effects of a defective product. In this case, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party or parties.

Legal options

If you have suffered internal or external harm from a faulty object, you can hold legally responsible any or all of the businesses involved in the chain of producing and selling the product, depending on the circumstances. You do not have to prove negligence or malintent, just that the item was dangerous outside of its limits and caused you damage.

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