House appliances should be safe to use, provided you understand all the instructions and warnings provided. If you or a family member gets hurt after using a defective or dangerous household item, retaining the proper information may help you secure compensation.
The most important step after any injury is to preserve your health. Once you have taken care of any immediate health risks, you can start with the following steps.
Gather the product packaging
If you have recently bought the appliance, you probably still have the box or package it came in. This helps you identify the product. Details on the box may include the following:
- The name of the product
- The product brand
- The model number
- Serial numbers or other identification
Also look over the box for warning signs, stickers and instructions. The CPSC explains that potentially dangerous products should feature warnings appropriate to their type. A manufacturer or producer that fails to include adequate warnings on boxes may be liable for negligence.
Find your receipts
If possible, locate your original receipt. It further proves you own the product and can show where you bought the item from. Receipts can come in print or electronic form, so check your email if you bought the appliance from a store that emails digital receipts to customers.
Preserve communications
You may have discussed your product with the retailer or manufacturer. Keeping any written emails or notes could further support your case. Also, jot down recollections of any talks you had with one or more of these parties.
Any piece of information might be of help. It may take time, but collecting all information relevant to the dangerous item you bought could make the difference when seeking financial compensation for your physical pain and other problems stemming from your injury.