Almost everyone is guilty of buying products and not filling out the product registration card. With all the products that consumers purchase, it’s hard to keep track of all the registration forms, many of which have to be mailed in. Although, nowadays many can be filled out online. These product registration cards, as far as consumers know, ensure that the manufacturers guarantee on the product will be honored. And, now that many retailers offer product insurance at a very low cost people are forgoing the paperwork and taking their chances with the stores instead of dealing with the manufacturer.
However, this poses a hidden risk to the consumers. Those little registration cards aren’t just a way of ensuring that your manufacturer’s guarantee will be honored. It also allows the manufacturer to inform you of any design problems, faulty mechanisms, and recalls. With the advent of dish, cable and internet fewer people get their news in one centralized place. Recalls that are made public through the news is frequently missed for this reason.
A recent article illustrates the need for consumers to be informed in a timely manner of recalled products, which they can insure by simply filling out their product registration forms. According to the article as many as 15 million household appliances alone are recalled each year. Although most recalled products are made outside the U.S., most of which come from China. Therefore, it is very important for people to take precautions to ensure the safety of their home and family. In addition to making sure to fill out the manufacturers product registration form, consumers are warned to make sure appliances (whenever possible) are never left plugged in or running when no one is home or people are sleeping and making sure to use extension cords appropriately.
It is also advisable to frequently check products and appliances in your home against the list of recalled products on the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) website at www.cpsc.gov. It is not permissible under federal law for voluntarily or mandatorily recalled products to be sold. However, many consumers may sell products at rummage sales or through other venues, such as online, without knowing that the product or appliance is unsafe. For that reason it is important for all consumers to check for dangerous or recalled products on the CPSC website.
Despite the best safety prevention, people and property can still be harmed as a result of faulty products. 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 Law Firm has experts in product liability and personal injury that can advise you about your rights as a consumer. Solberg Law Firm in ND or MN are ready to help your family receive the compensation and care that you are entitled to.
Source: http://www.northjersey.com/news/209620121_Protect_your_home_against_appliance_fires.html