What to Do After a Defective Product Injury
A few steps after a product injury protect your health and your claim. Here they are, in order.
Get medical care
Take care of the injury first, and keep the records — they document the harm and connect it to the product.
Preserve the product
Do not repair, alter, or discard the product. Store it safely, exactly as it is. It is your most important evidence.
Gather the details
Record the make, model, and serial number, where and when you got it, and keep the packaging, manuals, and receipt.
Document the injury and scene
Photograph the product, the scene, and the injuries, and get witness information.
Get a free review — mind the deadlines
Product cases can involve a statute of repose in addition to the ordinary deadline, so get advice promptly to preserve the claim.
The deadlines and rules depend on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to product liability.
Keep going
Not sure where you stand?
A quick, confidential review can tell you — about two minutes, no cost, no obligation.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the law differs by state.