When a product you own has been recalled, it’s natural to feel concerned—especially if you’ve been using it regularly or it’s something your family relies on. Whether it’s a car, an appliance, food item or children’s toy, a recall signals that the product poses some type of safety risk.
Ultimately, knowing how to respond is important when it comes to protecting your health, your rights and any potential injury claim you may choose to file in the event that a recalled product has caused you and/or your loved ones harm.
Taking action
The first step is to stop using the product immediately, particularly if the recall involves risks like fire, electrical shock, contamination or choking hazards. Continuing to use a recalled item after a public warning could not only endanger you but also complicate any potential claim you may want to file if harm occurs after the recall notice was issued and you had knowledge of that recall.
Next, check the official recall details. Recalls in the U.S. are typically announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), depending on the type of product at issue. These agencies provide information on what models or batches are affected, what the risks are and what corrective actions are being taken.
Manufacturers usually offer one of three solutions: a free repair, a replacement or a refund. Follow the instructions given, and retain documentation of all correspondence, purchase receipts and repair records. These materials may become important if you later need to pursue a legal claim due to injury or property damage caused by the defective product.
While recalls can be unsettling, acting quickly and decisively can help to better ensure your safety and protect your legal rights as your situation evolves.