Products that are unsafe for consumers many times come from other countries. Working in conjunction with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) does what it can to stop these dangerous products from reaching homes and businesses.
A report indicates that approximately 4.8 million units of products considered hazardous or in violation of safety standards didn’t make it into the hands of consumers between October 2011 and September 2012. Most of the products stopped during the third quarter were fireworks imported for Memorial Day and 4th of July celebrations.
With regard to children’s products, a large number of the problems stemmed from excessive lead levels. Another area where a significant portion of children’s products were seized involved those that posed choking hazards due to small parts.
The following are some examples of imported products considered dangerous that never made it into the hands of U.S. consumers:
- hairdryers;
- bicycle helmets;
- mattresses;
- electric aquarium equipment; and
- portable electric lamps.
Liability for Injuries Stemming from an Imported Product
It’s sometimes assumed that very little (if anything), can be done when an individual is injured by an imported product. But that isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, claimants may, in some cases, hold parties located in the United States responsible.
For instance, distributors and retailers who work with companies that manufacture products overseas could be considered a manufacturer. Because it can be difficult to sue a foreign entity, it may be possible to pursue compensation from the product distributor.
At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, we can help determine all parties involved in the chain of distribution that may be liable for injuries caused by their products.
