Defective products pose a considerable threat to consumers, both domestically and professionally. Anything from a cellphone that bursts into flames to a flammable cooking pot can result in significant injury to a user. Fortunately, you can promote product safety by filing a defective product report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The process is easy and takes only a few minutes.
If you have been injured in a defective product accident, contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to discuss your legal rights with one of our Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys.
Responsibility to Report Defective Products
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a federal agency responsible for the regulation and safety of consumer products. According to the law, businesses that manufacture such products are required to report any defects to the CPSC. This includes persons and companies engaged in sales, such as manufacturers, importers, retailers, and distributors.
Essentially, a company must report a defective product if it has the potential to cause injury or death to others. They must also report any defective products that do not comply with federal consumer product safety standards and rules. This must be done within 24 hours of learning of the defect.
Reporting a Defective Product
Apart from companies and businesses, consumers can also take on the responsibility of reporting defective products to the CSPC. This usually involves going onto the agency’s website and filing an online report. Once you click on the ‘File a Report’ option, you can follow the steps as indicated, fill in the requested information, and submit your report.
- You may be required to provide the following details:
- Your name, phone number, address, and email, which will remain confidential
- A consumer description, explaining whether you used the product at home or work
- A detailed product description, including model, make, and serial number
- Manufacturer or importer’s name
- Date of the incident
- A detailed description of the incident
Before you send the report, you will be required to grant the CPSC’s public database permission to publish your report. Doing so allows consumers with similar complaints to yours to view and read your product report.
What Happens After You Report a Defective Product?
The CPSC will likely not get back to you immediately after they receive your defective product report, but that is not to mean it has been ignored. The CPSC usually monitors received defective product reports, keeping track of the number of complaints made on the same product.
If the number of complaints is flagged as excessive, the agency may decide to further investigate the claim and could pressure the mentioned company to announce a product recall.
Talk to a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney
Defective products are responsible for a significant number of injuries and even deaths in the country. Don’t let not knowing how to file a defective product report stop you from taking action against negligent manufacturers. If you are injured, the report will play a big part in your claim.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we believe in pursuing results. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, we are ready to help. Contact us today at 888-544-1438 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys.