Questions
Answers, without the hedging
These are the questions people actually ask us, answered as plainly as the subject allows. Where the honest answer is "it depends on your state," we say that rather than guessing.
About this service
Is this a law firm?
No. Defect Injury is a free service that connects people to independent attorneys handling product liability claims. We don't practice law, don't give legal advice, and nobody here is your lawyer.
What does it cost?
Nothing. We're paid a flat advertising fee by the firms we refer to. It doesn't scale with your case and never comes out of a recovery.
The manufacturer wants the product back. What do I do?
Keep it. Politely decline, in writing if you can. Any legitimate examination can happen under an agreed protocol with both sides present. Once the product leaves your possession you've lost control of the central evidence in the case.
There's no recall. Do I still have a claim?
Probably worth asking. Most defective products are never recalled — recalls require a manufacturer to report and an agency to act, and most defects never reach that threshold. The claim depends on the product being defective, not on an agency having said so.
Will you sell my information?
We share your submission with the law firm we refer you to and the providers who transmit and store it. We don't sell it to marketing lists or data brokers, and you can revoke consent to be contacted at any time.
Everything else, by page
Each of these is answered on the page that covers it, in context.
- The manufacturer offered a settlement and wants the product back.Something caught fire
- My insurance already paid for the damage. Is the claim over?Something caught fire
- The battery was a cheap replacement, not the original.Something caught fire
- The insurance company already totaled my car.A vehicle part failed
- The crash was my fault. Does that end it?A vehicle part failed
- There was a recall and I never had it done.A vehicle part failed
- My employer removed the guard. Doesn't that make it their fault?A tool or machine hurt me
- The machine is decades old.A tool or machine hurt me
- I already accepted workers' comp benefits.A tool or machine hurt me
- It was a hand-me-down and I don't have the receipt.A child's product failed
- The company sent a free repair kit after the injury.A child's product failed
- It was recalled before we bought it and we never knew.A child's product failed
- I already sent it back. Is the case over?Preserving the product
- The retailer took it when I complained.Preserving the product
- Can I have my own expert look at it first?Preserving the product
- How do I know which type I have?The three kinds of defect
- I modified the product. Does that end it?The three kinds of defect
- The product met all government standards.The three kinds of defect
- The recall came out after I was hurt. Does that help?Recalls
- I got the recall remedy. Did I waive my injury claim?Recalls
- There's no recall for my product.Recalls
- The product is fifteen years old. Is it too late?Deadlines and repose
- I didn't realize the product caused it until later.Deadlines and repose
- Does making a warranty claim extend the deadline?Deadlines and repose
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