Design defects are a surprisingly common problem in the modern day, with many products needing to be recalled due to some severe issue with how a product has been manufactured. These design flaws can cause severe harm to anyone who uses the product, even if they use it only as directed. Here are seven ways a design defect could cause an injury to you or someone you love:
- Product made from toxic materials
- Sometimes, a company will manufacture a product from some material not considered safe for normal use. These toxic materials can not only cause immediate harm if ingested, they can sometimes result in long-term damage to anyone poisoned by them.
- Product cannot support stress of normal use
- Another issue that can arise is when a product is not built to withstand the stress of normal use. This design defect may result in furniture that cannot support the weight of a full-grown human, or tools that break when used for the purposes they were built for.
- Product has undisclosed ingredients or materials
- Sometimes, the materials or ingredients used in a product are not dangerous on their own but can pose an issue if not disclosed. This design defect is often an issue with food, where undisclosed allergens like nuts or eggs can result in an unexpected (and potentially dangerous) allergic reaction.
- Product is prone to overheating or catching fire
- Some products are dangerous due to a high risk of overheating or catching fire. Electronics, for example, may not properly disperse heat that results from use, or a product may be made of an especially flammable material, resulting in a high risk of burns or fires.
- Product can suddenly close or snap shut
- Another common design defect results from parts that can pinch, close, or snap shut on someone using it. These can trap limbs, resulting in bruising and potential bone fractures, or can sometimes even cause an amputation.
- Product can cause electrocutions
- Electronic devices are supposed to be adequately shielded and insulated to prevent accidental contact with electrified parts. If the product has a design defect, however, it may lead to someone being accidentally electrocuted while using it.
- Product made for children has choking hazards
- Products made for children need to have special design considerations to make sure they have no parts that a young child might choke on if they put it in their mouths. If a product for children has parts they can choke on, it is considered a type of design defect.
Fox Law Firm, PLLC is a New York personal injury law practice serving clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. With over three decades of law practice experience, attorney Kevin Fox has helped clients in personal injury cases obtain the compensation they deserve. For more information or to ask for a consultation, call our Riverhead office at 631-779-3400 or visit our contact page.
