If you purchase a home improvement product, toy, household cleaner, motor vehicle or any other item made available for sale to consumers, you have every right to reasonably expect that every person and department involved in the manufacturing, distribution and sale of that product has adhered to all safety regulations. In short, when you pay money for something, it shouldn't cause you injury or illness when you use it under normal circumstances. Thousands of people in Kansas wind up in emergency rooms when defective products harm them.

Companies often issue recalls certain products, usually after numerous consumers contact them to complain about possible defects or report injuries. The question is: How do you know which items manufacturers have called back, and what do you do if you or your child suffers injury or illness after using a purchased item?

Ins and outs of product recalls

When a company recalls a product, a spokesperson typically tells consumers to return said items in exchange for replacement products or refunds. The following list provides information regarding how consumer agencies classify recalls and what type of resources are available to help you stay informed:

Generally speaking, there is a particular classification that most product recall systems follow. A Class I recall, for instance, would be assigned to defective products with the highest risk for injury or illness.
Products listed as Class I recalls often carry potentially fatal risks.
There are various websites and agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, that publish detailed explanations regarding classification of recalled products.
Some of the most frequently recalled products are baby items and children's toys.
Other products that consumers report as defective include the following: food, dietary supplements, drugs, household items and motor vehicles. You may be familiar with a recent recall of Takata airbags.
The law allows you to pursue justice by filing a personal injury claim in a civil court if a defective product injures you or an immediate family member.
The holiday season is fast approaching. It just so happens that many recalls occur at this time of year when people are getting a head start on gift shopping. The toys you give your children or the appliances you use at home are meant to add convenience and pleasure, or satisfy a particular need in your life, not to cause you to suffer serious injury or make you sick. When this type of tragedy occurs, you can take action against those deemed responsible.

Many Kansas consumers consult with personal injury attorneys before heading to court to request compensation for damages caused by defective products.