Giving and receiving gifts is a tradition many participate in during the holiday season. Usually, this tradition is a joyful one for all involved.
However, sometimes people receive gifts that actually have the potential to cause harm. This may occur if someone receives a defective product. It’s also a possibility that a gift recipient doesn’t take the proper safety precautions when using a product that may be dangerous when not used carefully.
This doesn’t need to happen to you or your loved ones. If you receive a gift this holiday season that may result in injury if used improperly, keep the following tips in mind to ensure your safety:
Read the Instructions
This is critical. Too many gift recipients are eager to use their new toys without taking the time to learn how to do so correctly.
Don’t let such a mistake put your personal safety in jeopardy. Be sure to thoroughly read all instructions before using a new product.
Be aware that, in the digital age, the paper instructions that a product comes with may not be the only instructions available. You may also find video instructions on YouTube or a product’s website.
Strongly consider searching for them. Actually seeing how a product is used can be more valuable than merely reading words and reviewing illustrations.
Check for Damage
Thoroughly check all of a product’s visible components before using it. If you notice any signs of damage, don’t use the product.
Yes, it can be disappointing to receive an exciting gift, only to realize you can’t use it right away because it’s damaged or defective. However, a damaged or defective product is one you are likely going to get a refund for anyway. In the meantime, you shouldn’t risk being harmed in an accident by attempting to use the product.
Research Safety Issues
This is a step worth taking both before using a new product you’ve received and before buying a new product that you’re considering giving as a gift. If you have concerns about potential safety issues associated with a product, conduct an online search to learn if others have been injured as a result of using the said product in the past.
Don’t buy a product if you learn it has a tendency to injure users. If you’ve received such a product, make sure you thoroughly understand how it causes injury before using it yourself. For instance, maybe a product often harms users who don’t correctly use it for its intended purpose. You may be able to avoid harming yourself if you don’t make the same mistakes as them.
That said, even if you take these steps, it’s possible you might nevertheless one day be injured as a result of using a defective product. Contact a product liability attorney at Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys if so.
If you’ve been injured because a product’s designers or manufacturers overlooked a defect, you might be eligible to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other such losses. Learn more about your options by calling our office at 800-529-0842 for a free consultation.
