All of us have gone through instances where we have received a faulty or defective product. If it is an expensive one, it would just be more of a misfortune. We often order products online, and there is a chance of them being defective.
In more crucial cases, these products can be dangerous to you as well. For example, electrical products or appliances can cause electric shocks if not manufactured correctly. It might be just a manufacturing mistake or any other matter related to the vendor, but it would eventually be at your expense. If you suffer an injury, the hospital bills would be added to that expense as well.
There are also the cases of the product being a different one altogether or not performing its core function properly. You can opt for a replacement or a refund in those cases and can call for compensation for additional costs you may have to incur. All of these matters fall under the legal domain, and it is best to hire a reputed company to help you exercise your rights.
However, there are certain duties you have as well being consumers;
- Reading the labels of the product is essential. You should have the full knowledge of the product you’re buying and its components, instructions, and other information presented on the label.
- Procuring your purchase receipts or invoices is mandatory as it is proof of your transaction, and it won’t be easy to prove the transaction without the invoice.
- Buying standardized products from reputed vendors is a must. You cannot buy cheap quality products and expect them to be durable or safe.
- The product label has instructions for use, and following them is the responsibility of the consumer.
- Checking the product for faults or defects before buying it is a must, and it is your obligation as a consumer.
- Not following false advertisements or misleading schemes is your duty and analyzing every deal you enter should be a habit.
As a consumer, you have the right to claim compensation in case of the following situations: Negligence:
The plaintiff can collect damage in the case where he or she can prove that the negligence on the part of the manufacturer or the retailer has led him to suffer injuries. The seller must ensure that his products are safe to use and breach of that duty is an offense. For example, if a microwave oven is not properly tested before launching into the market, and a person gets hurt, he’ll be able to sue for negligence.
Strict Liability
In some cases, the manufacturer is strictly liable for product defects during manufacturing. In the case of strict liability, the plaintiff need not prove negligence on the manufacturer’s part; they have the right to sue for strict liability. If the specific product has an inherently dangerous nature that cannot be avoided even with reasonable care, it would be a case of strict liability if a person gets hurt using that product.
As a consumer, you need to be aware of your rights, and in the situations explained above, you should give a call to your lawyer.
