Injured from Defective Clothing?
When getting dressed, the thought of your jacket, shoe, or accessory hurting you probably never crosses your mind. How can a seemingly safe shirt or shoe end up harming you? As unlikely as it may seem, thousands of clothing and accessory items are recalled yearly due to the risk of injury, reports the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
What’s even more shocking is that only a few of these defective clothing items that caused an injury in one or more victims make headlines. Meanwhile, unassuming consumers are left in the dark about the dangers associated with their favorite clothing or accessory items.
Have you or someone you love suffered an injury or illness you believe was related to an unsafe clothing item? A skilled Los Angeles Defective Clothing Injury Lawyer at Adamson Ahdoot would like to sit down with you and discuss the details of your potential case.
Connecting the dots between your injury and the product you used is the first step in going after the manufacturer responsible for making an unsafe item. Our law firm can assist you with a detailed investigation proving you were harmed by an unsafe product and take a stand against the negligent manufacturer.
What Makes Clothing or Accessories Dangerous to Consumers?
When a piece of clothing or accessory is made, the item must be put through a manufacturing process. If at any point in the process—design, assembly, or marketing—an error is made and the item now possesses flaws, the product could potentially threaten users.
Common Defects in Clothing and Accessories
More common defects often found in clothing, shoes, and accessories include:
- Toxic chemicals used during the manufacturing process and in the item itself
- Use of highly flammable material
- Lack of warnings of flammable material or false non-flammable claims
- Choking hazard (use of small parts or components)
- Strangulation hazard
Understanding the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act and Its Impact
The most common cause of apparel-related injuries in the U.S. is the use of flammable material. In fact, the use of flammable materials in clothing production is such a problem the CPSC created the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act in 1953. The role of this act was to regulate the use of certain textiles and establish manufacturing standards to reduce accidents and injuries caused by flammable material. However, despite these regulations, dangerous materials remain in use today. Recently, a popular children’s clothing manufacturer recalled hundreds of robes due to violating federal flammability standards.
The Impact of Flammable Clothing on Public Safety
It’s estimated that more than 5,000 Americans suffer burn injuries, and about 150 tragically die every year as a result of flammable clothing. Sadly, children are most at risk for suffering a burn injury caused by defectively manufactured clothing. Burns are the fifth most common cause of non-fatal injuries for children worldwide, reports The World Health Organization.
Burn Injuries and Other Types of Defective Clothing-Related Injuries
Burn injuries happen when the skin is exposed to a thermal heat source, electricity, sun, radiation, or chemicals. Burns are usually classified by severity or degree of burn. They can be minor (first-degree burns), moderate (second-degree burns), or severe (third-degree burns). Most minor burns, like sunburn, don’t require hospitalization or long-term treatment; however, moderate and severe burns can require extensive medical care and be life-threatening.
Due to the nature of a burn injury (damaging protective skin tissue), even minor burns can result in infection, discoloration, and scarring. Severe burn injuries are often associated with secondary injuries like excessive swelling, organ failure, low blood pressure, and sepsis. It’s not uncommon for victims of third-degree burns to require long-term physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve mobility and level of functioning.
Other Injuries Caused by Defective Clothing
Aside from burn injuries, defective clothing can lead to various other injuries:
- Asphyxiation
- Bone fractures
- Cuts, lacerations, and contusions
- Rashes
- Swelling
- Eye injuries
- Wrongful death
These injuries can have long-lasting effects on the victims, leading to extensive medical bills, lost wages, and severe emotional distress. Suppose you or a loved one has suffered such injuries. In that case, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from a Defective Clothing Injury Attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Who is Responsible for the Costs Associated with Dangerous Clothing?
Suppose you or a loved one suffered an injury or illness due to a poorly manufactured clothing or accessory. In that case, you must talk to an aggressive Los Angeles Defective clothing injury lawyer as soon as possible. When defective clothing harms a wearer, the victim must prove he or she used the item properly and as intended. Big manufacturers and apparel companies have large legal teams looking to disprove your injury claims. They’ll try to settle your claim for as little as possible or, worse, say you were at fault for the injury.
At Adamson Ahdoot, we’ll work tirelessly to uncover the cause of your injury and determine who is at fault. We’ll work with your doctor to properly document your injury and gather photographic evidence of the dangerous piece of clothing. Our skilled lawyers will also talk to industry experts who can testify on your behalf and give valuable insight into how and why the article of clothing harmed you. Many dangerous clothing and accessories have a history of harming people, and our industry experts can speak to the product’s dangers.
Moreover, in a product liability claim, the person or entity responsible for an injury may be:
- The clothing manufacturer
- The clothing retailer
- The clothing distributor
Liability in the Supply Chain
Determining who should be liable in these cases is critical to successfully pursuing compensation. Whether it’s the manufacturer who produced the defective item, the distributor who sold it, or the retailer who failed to provide adequate warnings, all parties involved in the supply chain can potentially be held accountable. It’s essential to gather comprehensive evidence to establish fault and demonstrate the damages caused by the defective product.
Finding Answers to Your Pressing Defective Clothing Injury Questions
Would you like more information on obtaining financial compensation for a defective clothing injury? Contact Adamson Ahdoot to schedule a free consultation. We will ask you questions about the incident and injury during your consultation. We will also answer any questions regarding the accident and claims process. Once we have gathered enough information, one of our lawyers will recommend the legal steps. They will inform you how we can help you resolve your claim successfully.
Understanding the Legal Process: Filing a Claim
Filing a claim for a defective clothing injury requires meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of the legal process. Whether you are pursuing a class action lawsuit or an individual claim, the process typically involves:
- Gathering evidence, including medical records and the defective product
- Consulting with industry experts
- Filing the necessary legal documents
- Negotiating with the opposing party or their insurance company
- Preparing for trial if a settlement cannot be reached
Our team at Adamson Ahdoot is prepared to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Statistical Overview of Defective Clothing Injuries
According to recent data, thousands of clothing and accessory items are recalled annually due to safety concerns. Despite the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act, which aims to regulate the use of dangerous materials in clothing, injuries continue to occur. Defective products like highly flammable clothing remain a significant public safety issue, with suffered injuries ranging from minor burns to severe, life-altering conditions.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation
When dealing with the aftermath of an injury caused by defective clothing, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation on your side. Manufacturers and retailers often have robust legal teams ready to defend against claims, making it difficult for victims to receive fair compensation. A skilled Defective Clothing Injury Attorney can level the playing field, ensuring that your case is presented effectively and your rights are protected.
Your Path to Justice
At Adamson Ahdoot, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an injury can take on you and your family. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and aggressive representation to help you achieve justice. Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost income, or the pain and suffering resulting from your injuries, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact a Defective Clothing Injury Lawyer Today
Don’t let the negligence of a manufacturer or retailer go unchallenged. If you or a loved one has been injured due to defective clothing, contact Adamson Ahdoot today. We are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need. Call our office toll-free at (800) 310-1606 or submit a contact form to start the claim process. Let us help you hold those responsible for your injury accountable.