No one is perfect — not even large manufacturers that employ countless engineers to design products that are effective and safe. Unfortunately, each Los Angeles accident lawyer at our firm has seen too many clients who experienced serious injuries that might have been prevented. When manufacturers act immediately on the first suspicion of dangerous product flaws, they can prevent serious injuries and fatalities.

One Company Did Everything Right

All too often, concerns about bad press, financial losses or even lawsuits seem to prevent manufacturers from admitting to product flaws until they figure out how to deal with them. However, an October 8th CBS News article about a General Motors (GM) SUV recall illustrates how GM took a brave approach that most likely prevented burn injuries to many customers.

Thanks to the company's Speak Up for Safety program, the company took action after discovering a single incident of wiper motor overheating. The steps taken by the company provide a road map that every manufacturer should follow:

• One incident was enough to start an immediate investigation.
• Within weeks, they issued a recall, warning owners of the applicable SUVs to avoid using wipers and bring them to the dealership for repairs.
• When weather conditions prevent owners from returning their vehicles to the dealership, they are willing to arrange for vehicle pickup.
• They gave vehicles already sold top priority for repairs, arranging for rental cars for owners who have to wait for parts.
• They placed unsold vehicles on hold until such time as parts become available for their repair.

Even though recalls can be costly to manufacturers, GM did not hesitate to spend whatever money was needed to reduce customer inconvenience — and make customer safety a top priority.

Hoping for a Trend

Anyone who remembers the time it took for Toyota to address deadly vehicle issues back in 2009 might take comfort that GM took such immediate action. Unfortunately, one company's action does not mark a trend across industries, or even within the automotive industry. Regardless of the positive press that GM is receiving from their Speak Up for Safety program, it could take many years before other auto manufacturers can perform the financial assessments that might make them recognize the benefits of early intervention.

The sad truth is that our product liability attorneys expect to see far too many cases of dangerous product injuries for years to come — often pertaining to children injured by anything ranging from toys to bounce houses and other amusement rides.

Anyone who sustains injuries caused by defective products has a right to pursue compensation for those injuries. Perhaps just as important, taking legal action may be one of the best ways to encourage more manufacturers to take responsibility for the safety of their products as soon as they suspect flaws.

If you or a loved one suffers injuries from a dangerous product, call The Rudman Law Firm APC toll-free at (844) 478-3626 / (844) 4RUDMAN, at our Los Angeles office (213) 375-3777 or at our Studio City office (818) 769-6969. You can also use our convenient online contact form to reach us at any time.