Statistics for 2015 indicate that 68 percent of Americans have smart phones and 45 percent have tablet computers, marking a significant increase over prior years. Each time consumers purchase wireless devices like these, they receive the opportunity to register their products using the Internet or traditional mail-in cards. Each Los Angeles personal injury attorney at our firm warns that failing to take this extra step can put consumers at risk of injury.

Many Wireless Products Carry Unexpected Electrical Risks

Wireless products may seem safe since consumers use them without electrical cords. However, these devices are still electrical -- they operate through the use of batteries, which often carry their own electrical risks. Just as important, the batteries are charged with adapter cords that plug into wall outlets. In other words, they are not really fully-wireless.

As recently as February 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC) announced a recall of AC Power Cords for Surface Pro Devices after Microsoft received 56 reports involving flames and electrical shock to consumers. This was not the first tablet-related recall; NVIDIA recalled some tablet computers back in July 2015 due to severe battery issues. In fact, Apple issued a similar power cord-related recall at the same time, but it only affected products sold outside of the U.S.

While wireless devices seem to be making the recall news today, the fact is that just about any product can potentially subject someone to danger. With a vast array of consumer products available for purchase — and more introduced to the market every day —how can consumers remain safe?

Consumers Need to Regularly Monitor Product Safety

No guarantees exist to absolutely protect the public from injuries caused by unsafe products, but with a little extra effort, it is possible to reduce the risks, as follows:

• Register products: Not every product comes with a means for registration, but most higher-priced items certainly offer this option. Taking the time to register a product offers two main advantages: it preserves warranties in the event that a product stops operating as expected, and it also provides manufacturers with contact information in the event they need to recall an unsafe product.
• Monitor product recalls: In 2014 alone, emergency rooms reported nearly 37,000 injuries related to products. Even if only a relatively small subset of these injuries resulted in product recalls, online monitoring would be a daunting task. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission offers an email subscription program that sends recall announcements to consumers. Subscription options include all recalls, or specific category subsets, such as infant/child products, household products and more.

Still, regardless of whether or not consumers are aware of recalls, they have a right to pursue compensation in the event that they sustain injuries from dangerous products. Since product manufacturers may attempt to direct liability for injuries back to consumer misuse, injury victims should consult with an experienced product liability attorney before contacting the manufacturer. For a fair assessment of all available legal options, call The Rudman Law Firm at (844) 478-3626 / (844) 4RUDMAN, at our Los Angeles office at (213) 375-3777 or at our Studio City office (818) 769-6969.