Secondhand Products that May Cause Injury

Gift-giving occasions such as Christmas, birthdays and new births can result in financial hardship, which is why many parents prefer to shop online for a deal or buy secondhand items. While you will save money by shopping thriftily, it is important to ensure that the products you purchase are safe. There are a number of products that must pass rigorous standards, while others are not suitable for resale once used.

Baby & Toddler Products

Crib injuries and deaths are often the result of a faulty or damaged product. Buying a secondhand crib comes with inherent risks because you have no way of knowing if the product is completely safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission do not recommend the use of products like baby bath seats or crib bumpers. You should think twice about purchasing these products regardless of condition, as well as checking to see if such products are legal for sale in your state.

Used baby products like strollers may be compromised, which creates a risk of injury to a child if the product collapses or tips over due to instability. If you need a car seat for a child, always purchase a product from a reputable manufacturer. These products are thoroughly tested and meet a high safety standard. An inferior or damaged product could fail in a collision, putting the life of your child at serious risk.

Safety Products

It is never a good idea to purchase secondhand safety products. This is especially true of bicycle or motorcycle helmets. If the seller has owned the product for a long time or the item was worn during a collision, it may no longer provide adequate protection. Most safety products, including parts and components, need replaced within a specific timeframe. When you purchase secondhand safety products, there is no way of knowing for sure if the product is fit for use or how long it will provide effective protection.

The entire purpose of safety products is to reduce the risk of injury while using certain types of equipment. It is for this reason that the sale of these products is tightly controlled and products are expected to meet high standards. You wouldn’t buy worn out brake pads for your car, knowing that they would not function as intended. However, defects in secondhand safety equipment are not always obvious, so it is better to err on the side of caution.

Recalled Products

Products are often recalled due to defects that could cause injury or even death. When you purchase everyday products like washers, dryers, cars and even cell phones secondhand, you could be putting your life at risk. There are a number of ways to check if a product has been recalled, depending on the type of product in question. This Georgia Government webpage provides links to relevant agencies that track product recalls. Alternatively, you can contact a manufacturer or supplier directly for guidance.

It bears mentioning that the government or a company can also order the recall of parts and accessories. Cell phone chargers, vehicle parts and garden power accessories are just some examples of product recalls. If you purchase these items without checking that they meet required safety standards, you are taking a significant risk.

Have you been injured by a secondhand product? You may have a legal reason for seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. It is important to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Georgia who understands laws applicable to your case. Call the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown today for a free consultation.