Bought a Defective Product? Know Your Consumer Rights

When you buy a product that turns out to be defective, you have significant legal protections under U.S. law. Here's what you need to know about your consumer rights.

Product Liability Law

Under U.S. product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective products. There are three main types of product defects: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects (inadequate warnings or instructions).

Warranty Protections

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that governs consumer product warranties. Express warranties are specific promises made by the manufacturer, while implied warranties — including the warranty of merchantability — are automatic under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) adopted by all 50 states.

Steps to Take

If you've purchased a defective product: document the defect with photos and videos, keep all receipts and packaging, report the issue to the manufacturer and retailer, file a complaint with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) if the product poses a safety hazard, and consult with an attorney about your legal options.

Seek Legal Help

Consumer rights cases can be complex. An experienced attorney can help you navigate warranty claims, negotiate with manufacturers, or pursue a product liability lawsuit. Contact Maria Runyon to learn about affordable legal service plans.