Every year, thousands of consumer products—from toys and cribs to car seats and baby food—are recalled due to safety concerns. While recalls are meant to protect families, they often occur after injuries have already happened, leaving parents wondering what rights they have if their child was harmed.
Why Products Are Recalled
Product recalls typically occur when manufacturers or regulatory agencies discover a defect that poses a risk of injury. These defects may involve design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings or instructions.
Recalls may be initiated by the manufacturer or ordered by agencies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, companies are not required to admit fault when issuing a recall, and many dangerous products remain in homes long after recall notices are issued.
Does a Recall Mean a Lawsuit?
A recall alone does not automatically mean a lawsuit—but it can be powerful evidence in a product liability claim. If a child is injured by a defective product, families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
Importantly, you may still have a claim even if the injury occurred before a recall was announced, or if you were unaware of the recall at the time.
What Parents Should Do After an Injury
If your child is injured by a consumer product, seek medical attention immediately and preserve the product if possible. Do not attempt repairs or throw the item away. Documentation, including photos and medical records, can be critical in establishing liability.
Speaking with a product liability attorney early can help ensure evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Holding Manufacturers Accountable
Sullivan Papain has a long history of standing up to large manufacturers and corporations. We believe parents deserve transparency, accountability, and justice when unsafe products put children at risk.