Warm weather inspires spring clean up. This is always the perfect time to get rid of the old and tidy up our storage spaces at home. We throw out the old and unusable, and we salvage, give away, or sell what we do not want. People always enjoy the rummage sales of the season with plenty of great deals on tools, home electronics, toys, technology equipment, and fashions. Yet, without knowing, many people are putting others in danger by selling recalled products.
We see product recalls on the evening news all the time. It’s so common we don’t think about the possibility of missing important information about a recalled product. But in fact, it happens all the time. It is likely that somewhere in your home or apartment there are probably a number of products that have been recalled because they pose a potential threat to your safety or damage to your property. In fact, federal law prohibits you from selling any product that has been recalled publicly. So, if you’re having a rummage sale, or going to one anytime soon you should beware.
Many of the very items that are sold at rummage sales are also perfect candidates for recalls. A recent article out of West Virginia illustrates the point, stating what the recalls for this week consist of: convection and space heaters by manufacturers Meijer and Optimus, bean bag chairs by Powell Company, popcorn makers by Avon, and boys and girls hoodies by Zulily. Clearly anyone could make the mistake of selling an item or purchasing an item that has not been checked on any recall list.
Buyer beware! That’s why it’s incumbent upon both parties: the buyer and the seller, to take the time to check if items they are buying and selling are listed on the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) website. Their website is easy to navigate and you can look up products by name, manufacturer, and item categories (kitchen, electronics, babies, garden). There is also information and updates about lawsuits involving recalled products. Consumers can also use the site to report dangerous or malfunctioning products. Concerns about common misuse of products can also be reported to the CPSC.
If you know of a product that should be recalled, you can visit the CPSC website at cpsc.gov and click on the “report an unsafe product” button at the very top of the left-hand corner. If you have been harmed by an unsafe or recalled product, you may be entitled to compensation for damages to property or person. Solberg Stewart Miller product liability and personal injury attorneys that can advise you about your rights as a consumer. Solberg Law Firm in ND or MN is ready to help your family receive the compensation and care that you are entitled to.