Most people use consumer products and everyday services without a second thought. Knowing the product liability claim steps can protect your health and strengthen any future legal claim if something goes wrong.
However, when something goes wrong, whether it’s a faulty appliance that catches fire, a medication that causes unexpected harm, or a service provider that makes a dangerous mistake, the consequences can be severe.
Seek Medical Help Immediately
Your health always comes first. If you’re injured, seek medical treatment right away, even if the injury seems minor. Some problems, such as internal injuries or chemical burns, may worsen over time. Prompt medical attention creates a record of your condition and directly links the injury to the product or service.
Be sure to follow up with recommended treatments and keep all medical records, prescriptions, and receipts. These documents will be critical if you later decide to pursue compensation.
Preserve the Evidence
If a defective product caused your injury, don’t throw it away or attempt to fix it. Keep the product, packaging, and receipts in a safe place. If the injury involved a service, such as negligent home repairs or botched treatments, document the work with photos, contracts, and any written communications.
The more evidence you preserve, the easier it will be to prove what happened. Courts and insurers often rely heavily on physical items and documentation when determining liability.
For more on keeping your affairs secure, see How to Set Up Power of Attorney Safely.
Report the Incident
Consider reporting the product or service to the appropriate authorities. For consumer products, you may file a report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For food, drugs, or cosmetics, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees complaints. Reporting helps protect others from similar harm and strengthens your case by creating a paper trail that supports your claims.
If the injury occurred at a business or through a service provider, notify the company in writing. This puts them on notice and may prompt an internal investigation or settlement.
Know Your Legal Options
Product and service-related injuries often fall under “product liability” or negligence law. You may have grounds to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Depending on the case, you could pursue claims against manufacturers, retailers, or service providers.
In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. For example, if a defective part in a car caused a crash, both the manufacturer and mechanic could be liable. Consulting with an attorney helps clarify who should be held accountable.
When to Involve a Lawyer
Not every product or service injury requires legal action, but if your injuries are severe, your medical bills are high, or the company refuses to take responsibility, it’s time to seek professional advice. A lawyer can investigate the case, identify all responsible parties, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Many personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win. This makes legal help more accessible and ensures you don’t have to shoulder the financial burden of pursuing justice alone.
See Negotiating a Severance Package: What’s Realistic? if you’re negotiating with a company after an injury.
The Bottom Line
Being injured by a defective product or negligent service can feel overwhelming, but you’re not without options.
Taking quick steps, such as seeking medical care, preserving evidence, reporting the incident, and knowing when to involve a lawyer, can make all the difference in the outcome.
