During the next few months, residents of Billings will celebrate a host of holidays and will share their love and appreciation for others through the giving of gifts. Giving presents to others can be fulfilling and fun for the young, old and everyone in between. While most individuals will give others gifts that are appropriate for their ages and interests, some people may receive gifts that prove to be unsafe.
There are several ways that a consumer product may be deemed unsafe. The product may contain a defect in its design that ultimately proves hazardous to those who use it. It may suffer from a defect in its making or manufacturing that if otherwise not present would render the product innocuous. The product also may in itself be safe but may be marketed in such a way that it could harm a person who is not old enough or responsible enough to use it.
Products that suffer from design and manufacturing defects can be subject to product recalls. If a person receives a product that has been recalled then he may have the opportunity to return it and receive a safer version of the item. Some recalls result in consumers receiving compensation in lieu of replacement products.
If, however, a consumer is harmed by a product he may have rights to seek compensation for his injuries. The losses that a person experiences as a result of a products liability related injury can be extensive and many such victims require financial support to overcome the challenges their product injuries cause.
The holidays should be a time of fun and celebration. However, harmful gifts, dangerous children's toys and other hazardous items may make their way in the hands of unsuspecting gift recipients. Those who receive dangerous products as gifts have rights under products liability law if those products cause them harm.