Most people, at one point or another, have purchased a product that they have not been satisfied with. However, there is a difference between an unsatisfactory product and one that is faulty. A faulty product is one that does not do what it claims to do or should do. In extreme cases, its faults may even pose a danger to the user.
A faulty smoke alarm is a great example. An alarm that doesn't work and then doesn't alert a user to a house fire is definitely faulty and dangerous. In fact, if it causes a house fire to burn out of control, then the buyer might even be able to sue the manufactures.
If you're wondering whether or not a product you have bought could potentially be faulty and whether or not you may be eligible for legal retribution, then there are a few key things to consider.
An Item That Doesn't Do its Main Job
One classic example of a faulty product is when the product does not do the main job that it was designed to do. For example, if you purchased a washing machine that refuses to spin, then this would be a faulty product. The same would be true for an oven that doesn't heat up. When an item does not do its main function, your best course of action is to attempt to return it to the manufacturer for a replacement or a refund.
In some cases, you may be rewarded compensation if the non-functionality of the product has caused you a loss in some way. If you have experienced a loss due to a faulty product or cannot get retribution from the manufacturer, then speaking with an attorney should be your next step.
An Item That Wears Out Before it Should
People often think that faulty products are products that never worked as they should. However, if a product works correctly for only a very short time, it may still count as faulty.
Of course, it can be tricky to determine how long is a reasonable amount of time for a product to last. Warranties and guarantees can help somewhat on this matter. But, in general, the average lifespan of the product you have bought and the cost will determine how long it should last, as well as any promises made by the manufacturer.
If you feel your product has not lasted a reasonable amount of time, then you should consult with an attorney to determine whether it counts as faulty and what your rights are.
Knowing when to classify a product as faulty can be tricky. However, by following these tips and working with a qualified product liability attorney, you can get all the answers you need.