Experience. Resources. Proven Strategies.

The attorneys of The Leigh Law Firm

Could products liability extend to second-hand market items?

On Behalf of | Nov 14, 2019 | Products Liability |

In today’s marketplace, there are a variety of ways to purchase consumer goods. One of the most popular commerce options is the second-hand market. Texas consumers are urged to beware of these types of purchases, since many of the items up for sale may have been the subject of a products liability civil suit.

Consumer Reports recently urged consumers to be cautious when shopping at online sites. While many online sites, such as Craigslist or Amazon Marketplace, are an opportunity to save money, they are also more likely to feature items that have been the subject of recalls. Many consumers are eager to save money on such items as baby products, but these are purportedly the most dangerous items to purchase second-hand.

The consumer advocates searched several popular items on these second-hand sites and found an alarming number of baby items that were previously recalled due to posing a serious risk to infants. Along with inclined sleepers, Consumer Reports found Ikea dressers for sale that had been recalled for a tip-over hazard. Currently, there are no safety measures in place that can protect consumers from purchasing products that could pose a safety hazard to themselves or their loved ones.

Until there are regulations in place that can help ensure that dangerous products are kept off of the second-hand marketplace, consumers are encouraged to research products that they are intending to purchase. Once they find an item for sale but are unsure of any recall history, it is recommended that purchasers contact the sellers and request item and serial numbers in order to search recalls online. Texas residents who have been injured by a potentially dangerous item may seek the guidance of an experienced attorney in order to assess whether there is a basis for filing a products liability lawsuit to pursue compensation.

Archives