We buy hundreds of products every year. In fact, according to an article on Investopedia, Americans spend around $15,000 to $16,000 per year on consumer goods. Most of the time when we purchase a product, we use it, then we either recycle, consume, or throw it away when we’re done with it. However, occasionally we will come across a product that is unusable because it is hazardous to our health or dangerous to use.
What do we do when we come across one of these dangerous or faulty products? And what happens after you tell the appropriate department or entity that the product is hazardous?
Let’s go over how to report a hazardous product, how the company should respond, and whether it even helps at the end of the day.
HOW TO REPORT A HAZARDOUS PRODUCT
One way to report a hazardous product is to go to SaferProducts.gov, which is the U.S. government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission website. You can also report the hazardous product over the phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST at (800) 638-2772.
The agency receives thousands of reports every year, which they use to determine patterns of injuries and hazards that guide their regulatory work. The agency will pass along your report to a specific manufacturer or company that you name, and you may eventually receive a response from them after you send in the complaint.
In addition to reporting the hazardous product to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, you can also directly contact the company that made the product. Consult your product warranty to see what instructions the company gives you for reporting and requesting an exchange or a refund of the product. After you contact them about the faulty product, the company should make a thorough effort to see if it was just your product that was affected or if there was an entire line of products that should be recalled.
If after a thorough investigation they find out there is a huge issue with one of their products, it is their responsibility to voluntarily recall a product (in which case the public should be notified). Occasionally, government agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission must get involved and request the recall of a product if necessary.
Have you or a loved one been severely injured due to a hazardous product in Georgia? You have rights. Speak with a legal team who can help you through this difficult time—and learn more about how you may pursue compensation. Click here for more information about the Fry Legal team and to set up a consultation today.
