Although we expect the products we buy to be safe for their intended use, common defective products in the home cause harm across Illinois every day. We use the products in our homes to cook, take care of ourselves, relax, and enjoy spending time with our loved ones.
But, sometimes, the products we buy don’t meet our expectations.
Dangerous and defective products are a very real concern. Manufacturers recall millions of dangerous and defective products each year—and, unfortunately, many of these recalls come too late.
Here are 10 common examples of dangerous and defective products in the home:
Defective home appliances can cause fires, burns, severe lacerations, and other serious accidents and injuries. This includes ovens and ranges, dishwashers, toasters, and coffee makers—among many others. In some cases, home appliances are defective due to poor design (i.e., a flawed electrical system). In others, they are defective due to flaws arising during the manufacturing process.
Along with home appliances, electronics are among the most common types of defective products in the home. This includes home electronics such as TVs and laptops as well as personal electronics such as phones, tablets, and smartwatches. E-scooters, hoverboards, and other consumer electronics have recently been the subject of widespread recalls as well.
Home furniture can be classified as defective if it presents an unreasonable risk of injury. For example, if a bookshelf is prone to tipping over and does not come with a sturdy anchor to attach it to the wall, it may be deemed defective. Many other types of home furniture can be deemed defective as well.
Sadly, many defective products in the home are products that parents buy for their children. From dangerous cribs and dressers to toys with small parts and unsafe play equipment, all types of children’s products have the potential to cause serious—and even fatal—injuries.
Cleaning solvents that present unreasonable risks for chemical burns and other injuries can also be classified as defective under Illinois law. If a cleaning solvent is inherently dangerous due to the chemicals it contains, then the manufacturer must include an adequate warning on the solvent’s container. “Failure to warn” is a third type of product defect (along with design defects and manufacturing defects), and victims and families can file “failure to warn” claims even when a product has been designed and manufactured properly.
Hand tools and power tools can be deemed defective due to design flaws, manufacturing flaws, and inadequate warnings. This includes hammers, drills, saws, yard tools, and air compressors—among many others. If a hand tool or power tool fails unexpectedly or is unsafe for its intended use, this may give rise to a claim against the designer, manufacturer, or retailer.
Along with hand tools and power tools, ladders are also common causes of injuries in the home. Dangerous and defective ladders can present serious fall-related risks—and these risks lead to tragic injuries in far too many cases.
Could the drugs your doctor prescribed or that you purchased over the counter be putting you (or your loved ones) at risk? Dangerous drugs are alarmingly common. Sadly, similar to the other types of defective products discussed in this article, pharmaceutical companies often won’t recall dangerous drugs until they have already caused significant harm.
Hair care products can present serious health and safety risks. For example, it has recently been discovered that chemical hair straighteners sold by many companies present risks for uterine cancer and other potentially life-threatening health conditions. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or any other condition after using a chemical hair straightener, you should consult with a lawyer promptly.
Finally, along with the products we buy to use in our homes, the products used to build our homes can also be defective. From lead and asbestos to slippery walking surfaces and faulty electrical components, numerous hazards within our homes can present risks for serious illnesses and injuries.
If you were injured by a product defect in Illinois, contact Coplan + Crane right away to discuss your rights with an experienced attorney. We understand the hardships you may be facing after a serious injury and we are committed to helping you pursue the full and fair compensation to which you may be entitled under the law.
Contact Coplan + Crane today online or at 708-358-8080 for a FREE case evaluation. We welcome clients from across Illinois, including Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, and other areas. We handle cases on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you achieve a successful outcome in your case.
