Bart Durham Personal Injury News & Blog

Steps to Take if You Think You’re Affected by a Recall

Written by Bart Durham Injury Law | May 10, 2019 4:00:00 PM

For the sake of your well-being and those around you, it is essential to stay up-to-date on recently recalled products. Most people think of vehicles when they hear the term “recall” used in conversation, but the products that seem most trivial and inconsequential can sometimes induce the most considerable harm.

New products such as Monsanto's Roundup and Johnson & Johnson's Talcum Powder have been linked to cancer diagnoses. Although products and medications go through rigorous testing by the Federal Drug Administration, medications and medical implants are often recalled. Some patients taking Xarelto or who have undergone a Depuy Hip Replacement have experienced severe complications.

We've put together some pro tips on how to help protect yourself from recalled products and outlined some steps to take if you or a loved one has been injured or affected in any way by a recall.

Follow Instructions from the Recall Letter

Addressing a recall letter for a seemingly small matter may not make it to the top of your to-do list, but ignoring a recall warning can lead to severe consequences. Ignoring a recall warning can potentially increase your risk of accident, and hurt your chances of receiving financial compensation should you wish to join a class action lawsuit.

Every recalled product is handled differently, and no blanket statement covers all questions and concerns in a concise manner. Therefore, it’s of the utmost important to follow the specific instructions in your recall letter when you receive it in the mail.

Stop Using the Product

This step may go without saying, but it cannot be stressed enough: stop using the recalled product immediately! Even if the reason for the recall seems minor or might not result in damages or injuries, keep in mind that even minor issues can potentially lead to serious harm or worse.

Just keep in mind that there’s a legitimate reason behind every recall, and big companies are well aware of a product’s defects. But, and perhaps most importantly, continuing to use a recalled product can also affect your eligibility for financial compensation! If the manufacturer can prove that you continued to use the recalled product after receiving the recall notice, you will have a higher chance of losing your case, and, therefore, losing your money.

Have you heard about a recall, but you aren't sure if it's something to worry about? We've got valuable information for you.  

Contact an Attorney

Let’s be honest. Nobody wants to deal with the paperwork and hassle of a class action lawsuit or a mass tortes. Consulting a professional to know which legal option can help secure the best possible outcome for you and your family is the best option on the table. Not only will you potentially reap significant financial rewards as a result, but you will also save time and energy in the process.

Frequently, you will be eligible for a free consultation, where a law firm will provide you with more information about how to go about procuring your adequate compensation. And most don’t send you a bill until the case is won. That’s right. You’ll owe NO attorney fees until they recover money from the settlement.

Stay in the Know!

There are a number of websites you can check to find the latest safety recalls. The Federal Drug Administration’s website has a wealth of information about recalls from food, medicine, medical devices, cosmetics, and more. You can search by your vehicle’s VIN number on the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration’s website. Safercar.gov publishes safety information on vehicles and equipment such as children’s car seats.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission's site is a great place to read about the latest recalls, and you also can sign up for their email alerts on product recalls.

Bart Durham Recalls

It's important for us at Bart Durham to stay on top of the latest information about recalls. We want to help you stay safe and informed. Many class action lawsuits are happening right now at a state and federal level about products with manufacturing issues or defects. Some examples would include:

  • Pharmaceutical drugs
  • Medical devices
  • Car parts 
  • Children's Toys 
  • Home goods 

A class action lawsuit or mass tort is a larger group of people who have suffered because of a defective product. You can learn more about the current recall lawsuits on our website. If you've been affected by any of these products, contact Bart Durham for a free consultation.