According to public policy, consumers have the right to expect certain measures have been taken to ensure the products they purchase are safe for use. Those measures extend to the product’s design, manufacturing, labeling, and marketing. When companies fail to meet those minimum product safety requirements, they become liable for the injuries or deaths caused.
Recalled AquaRug Bath Mats
According to The Washington Post, Tristar Products, Inc., is currently facing an injury lawsuit over the safety of their AquaRug bath mats. Recalled after 40 online customers filed complaints, the 1.4 million bathmats are said to have faulty suction cups that do not stay in place, which creates a fall risk for consumers. One such consumer reportedly fell while using the AquaRug bath mat.
Allegedly unaware of the potential dangers of the rug before purchase, the elderly woman had undergone a hip replacement just one month prior to her fall. Resulting injuries reportedly included a surgical revision of her hip replacement and a broken leg. She is suing for medical damages, including the cost of physical therapy and assisted living care. The distributor, QVC, is also being named in the suit for alleged awareness of the risk.
When Bad Products Harm Good People
The allegations brought against Tristar Products and QVC are not atypical. In fact, millions of products are recalled each and every year, and many good people are harmed by them. Some suffer long-term injuries; others pay the ultimate price with their lives. Regardless of the cost, manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their customers and, as such, they should be held accountable.
Unfortunately, product liability cases can be extremely complex. Consumers must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the product in question was the direct cause of their injuries. There must then be substantial proof to show that, somewhere along the way, the manufacturer failed to ensure consumer safety. For example, in the case of the recalled bathmats, the plaintiff must show that there were defects in the product’s design and that the marketing was misleading or inaccurate.
A Skilled and Experienced Attorney Can Help
When facing corporate entities who have placed profits ahead of human safety, it is critical to ensure you are adequately represented. At Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C., we understand the personal and financial harm you are experiencing. Using our experience and resources to level the playing field, we ensure your rights are protected and that your case is heard. Schedule your free initial consultation with our Aurora, Illinois product liability attorneys and get the help you deserve. Call 630-907-0909 today.
Source:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/feb/21/sioux-falls-woman-sues-after-slip-on-now-recalled-/