On September 25, 2024, pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced the global recall of the sickle cell disease (SCD) medication Oxbryta (voxelotor). This, due to new clinical data suggesting those taking the drug experienced an increased risk of vaso-occlusive crises (blocked blood flow) and death from stroke. Since then, several people have filed claims against Pfizer, claiming it failed to provide adequate warnings about the drug.
On October 10, 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Fisher-Price recalled more than 2 million Snuga Infant Swings due to suffocation hazards. At the time of the recall, the company was aware of five infant deaths when the product was used for sleep.
Manufacturers are responsible for creating products that are safe for public use. If you or a loved one was injured by a recalled product, you may be able to file a claim to recover your damages. Our Virginia Beach defective product attorneys help victims of defective consumer products. We will stand up to even big corporations to be sure you are treated fairly.
What Are Recalled Products?
A product recall occurs when a product is found to be unsafe for consumer use. This may be due to several reasons, including:
- Defective design
- Manufacturing flaws
- Labeling issues (the label lacks proper warnings or instructions for use)
- Contamination
- Failure to meet safety standards
- New studies that show the risks are too great
- A large number of reports of injuries related to the product
The manufacturer may initiate the recall, or a government agency such as the CPSC or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may push the manufacturer to do so.
Commonly recalled products may include pharmaceuticals and medical devices, automobiles and car parts, household products and electronics, and food and beverages.
How Do I Know if a Product Has Been Recalled?
Product recalls are sometimes announced in the news media, but consumers have to take a proactive approach to find out about those recalls that may affect the products they use.
Here are some ways to check if a product you own has been recalled:
- Visit Official Websites: Agencies like the CPSC, FDA, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) list recalls on their websites. These sites have search functions where you can enter the product name, model number, or other information to see if it’s been recalled.
- Sign Up for Recall Notifications: Many agencies offer email notifications for recalls. Examples include the CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Subscribing to these can help you stay informed.
- Check Manufacturer Websites: Manufacturers will usually post recall information on their websites on the “recall” or “product info” pages. They may also reach out to you directly via mail if you registered a product that is later recalled.
- Retailer Recall Lists: Some major retailers, like Walmart and Amazon, maintain recall information on products sold through their stores.
If you hear that your product has been recalled, check the manufacturer’s website first for information.
What Do I Do If I’m Injured By a Recalled Product?
If you’re injured by a product that you later discovered was recalled, take the following steps to protect yourself.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think your injury is minor, get a medical evaluation. The injury may get worse over time. Having a medical record of your injuries is important if you decide to file a claim down the road.
Preserve the Product and All Packaging
Keep the product as it was when it caused your injury. If you can, save the original packaging, instructions, and receipts. These can help establish that you were using the product correctly while providing important information about when you purchased it and where. You don’t have to have a receipt to file a claim, however.
Check for Recalls
Check to see if there has been a recall on the product that caused your injury. You can go on the sites mentioned above, or try the all-inclusive recalls.gov.
Document Your Injuries and Expenses
Take photos of your injuries and keep a record of all your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the injury.
Contact a Defective Products Attorney
Product liability claims can be complicated. Our Virginia Beach defective product attorneys will assess your case, gather needed evidence, and help you present the strongest claim possible.
How Can a Defective Products Attorney Help?
Virginia sets strict standards on product liability claims, requiring the victim to show how the manufacturer caused the injury. Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation. We will work hard to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve, as we did for this client who fell from a defective stepladder. We negotiated a $375,000 settlement for him, helping to avoid a courtroom trial.
You can find our offices in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Norfolk.
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For over twenty years, Mr. Sharp's law practice has focused on serious personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury claims. He also handles nursing home neglect cases and medical malpractice claims. Mr. Sharp has counseled numerous clients about the complexities concerning litigation of both pediatric and adult brain injury. Mr. Sharp has been awarded the AV Preeminent ranking by Martindale, the highly respected and widely utilized directory of lawyers throughout the world. AV Preeminent status is awarded only to those lawyers who achieve the highest level of success within the legal field and is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers and Judges rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He has also been recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News for personal injury, an accolade awarded to only a small fraction of lawyers. Mr. Sharp has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top personal injury lawyers in Virginia. This recognition is awarded only to those lawyers who have achieved the highest level of success and have been recognized by their peers as demonstrating the highest level of professional excellence.
