Online Shopping and Defective Products

The internet has been a great resource for shoppers looking to expand their purchasing options for quite some time, and this is true at the present time like never before. The coronavirus pandemic has changed many things in all of our lives and even with some people beginning to venture out now that we have reached the warmest months of the year, many Americans remain busy shopping online from the safety of their homes. But unfortunately, what may feel safe in one regard is not totally without risks. You or a loved one can be harmed due to a product purchased online that turns out to be defective.

Understanding Online Shopping

Online shopping offers a wide range of appeal to many different types of people. In 2018, an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide purchase goods online and the number of online shoppers is expected to continue on its growth path and hit 2.14 billion by 2021. After all, it gives shoppers the ability to browse through the online inventory of brick-and-mortar stores as well as those that exist only on the internet. It also offers the convenience of having merchandise be delivered directly to your home without ever having to leave, and in many cases a shopper can even read reviews submitted by other shoppers prior to purchase. However, all the goodness that comes with shopping from a distance also means that even when consumers shop online carefully, they have no control over what is shipped to their home.

What if I Don’t Receive the Item I was Expecting?

In many cases, an item that comes defective or faulty is more of a nuisance than a danger. If you order something online that doesn’t come as expected, the good news is that many problems can be resolved by simply returning the item to the website if that’s an available choice. Otherwise, you can always reach out directly to the store with the problem. The Federal Trade Commission even includes a letter on its website that can be used for this purpose. If the item you received is not the item listed as purchased, then reaching out to the seller is typically enough to either have the error corrected at no charge to you or to get a refund of your money.

What if the Product I Receive is Harmful?

Unfortunately, in some cases a defective product can actually cause harm to you or your loved ones. In that situation, you should obtain any needed medical attention as quickly as possible. Afterward, understand that anyone who is injured or becomes ill due to a defective product can generally file a lawsuit against the product’s company or manufacturer to recover compensation. However, product liability lawsuits centered on online purchases can be especially complicated. For this reason, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case as quickly as possible.

Have You Been Injured by a Defective Product?

If you have been injured or suffered other damages because of a product you used, you may have a defective product liability claim. As the experienced defective product attorneys of Leifer & Ramirez, with offices in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, we can examine the unique circumstances of your claim and advise you on how to proceed. We can help you seek any damages that you may be due and fight for you while you focus on fighting for your health. Reach out today to begin with a free initial consultation.

Resource:

oberlo.com/statistics/how-many-people-shop-online

https://www.leiferlaw.com/staying-safe-around-space-heaters/