Law Office of Michael D. Waks

A Lawyer You Can Trust

No Fee Unless You Win

Call888.394.1174

Available 24/7

  • Home
  • Attorney Profile
  • Reviews
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury Lawyer Long Beach
    • Personal Injury Lawyer Cardiff
    • Motor Vehicle
      • Auto & Car Accidents
      • Bus Accidents
      • Distracted Driving
      • DUI Victim
      • Motorcycle Accidents
      • Truck Accidents
      • Wrongful Death
    • Premises Liability
      • Construction Accidents
      • Premises Liability
      • Electrical Accidents
      • Private Property Accidents
      • Slip and Fall Accident
      • Swimming Pool Accidents
    • Other Practice Areas
      • Brain Injury
      • Burn Injury
      • Bicycle Accidents
      • Boating Accidents
      • Dog Bite Accidents
      • Legal Malpractice
      • Pedestrian Accidents
      • Product Liability
      • Spinal Injury
  • Case Results
  • Videos
  • Resources
    • California Law Enforcement Information
    • California Personal Injury Laws and Statutory Rules
    • Other Resources
    • Personal Injury Law FAQs
    • Personal Injury Resources
    • Physical & Emotional Recovery Support
    • Southern California Courts
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

What Steps Should Be Taken If You’ve Been Injured by a Defective Product?

March 13, 2025 by Michael Waks

Scales-of-Justice-close-up-with-legal-books-150x150

When a product fails and causes harm, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost income, and physical pain can disrupt your life in an instant. If you’ve been injured by a defective product in California, knowing the right steps to take can help protect your health and your legal rights.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health comes first. Even if the injury seems minor, getting checked by a medical professional is critical. Some injuries, like internal damage or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms. A medical record also serves as important evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.

Preserve the Defective Product

Do not throw away the product that caused the injury. Keep it in the same condition it was in at the time of the incident. If possible, store any packaging, instructions, or receipts as well. These items can help establish what went wrong and whether the product was poorly designed, manufactured incorrectly, or lacked proper warnings.

Document Everything Related to the Injury

Strong documentation strengthens your case. Take clear photos of the product, your injuries, and the scene where the incident occurred. Keep a journal detailing your symptoms, medical treatment, and how the injury affects your daily life. Hold onto medical bills, receipts, and any correspondence with healthcare providers related to your injury.

Report the Defect to the Manufacturer or Retailer

Notifying the company responsible for the product can help prevent similar incidents from happening to others. However, avoid signing any documents or accepting compensation before consulting an attorney. Companies often try to settle quickly to avoid larger legal claims, and their initial offers may not cover all of your expenses.

Research Whether the Product Has Been Recalled

Some defective products are already under investigation. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or the manufacturer’s website to see if there have been recalls or complaints about the product. If the product has been recalled, this could strengthen your case.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Product liability laws in California can be complex. A skilled attorney can assess your case, determine who is responsible, and help you pursue compensation. Whether the defect is due to poor design, faulty manufacturing, or insufficient warnings, an experienced lawyer can build a strong claim.

Understand Potential Compensation

If a defective product causes injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, including future treatment
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Rehabilitation costs

The amount you receive will depend on the severity of the injury and the circumstances surrounding the defect.

Avoid Discussing Your Case on Social Media

Insurance companies and manufacturers often monitor social media for anything that could weaken your claim. Avoid posting details about your injury, the product, or legal proceedings. Even seemingly harmless posts can be used against you.

Know Your Time Limits for Filing a Claim

California has strict deadlines for filing product liability claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If the defect wasn’t immediately apparent, you may have additional time, but acting quickly is always best.

Conclusion

Companies have a legal duty to ensure their products are safe. When they fail, injured consumers have the right to seek justice. Filing a claim not only helps you recover losses but also pushes companies to prioritize safety and prevent further harm to others.

Taking swift and informed action after a defective product injury can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal outcome. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a faulty product, speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and the next steps toward fair compensation.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Michael Waks
Michael Waks
Michael Waks is an aggressive advocate for people who have suffered because of someone else’s actions. Michael decided to become a personal injury lawyer when, while clerking at a legal defense firm during law school, he witnessed and was infuriated by asbestos manufacturers spending millions to avoid taking responsibility for the egregious injuries they caused. Immediately after passing the bar, Michael opened his own firm in Long Beach, CA to help the victims of personal injury accidents get every benefit owed them under the law.
Michael Waks
Latest posts by Michael Waks (see all)
  • How Can Social Media Activity Impact Your Personal Injury Case? - May 21, 2025
  • Why Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Make a Difference in California - May 14, 2025
  • How Insurance Companies Review Injury Claims in California - April 30, 2025
Share here...

Law Office of Michael D. Waks

Get a Free Consultation

  • Submission of this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Other Areas We Serve

  • Personal Injury Lawyer Wilmington
  • Personal Injury Lawyer San Pedro
  • Personal Injury Lawyer Compton
  • Personal Injury Lawyer Paramount
  • Personal Injury Lawyer Signal Hill
  • Personal Injury Lawyer Lakewood
  • Personal Injury Lawyer Seal Beach

Testimonials

Michael represented me in a personal injury case and I can’t recommend him enough. From the very first consultation he made sure that I was always aware of my options and up to speed with every aspect of my case. He answered all my questions and used his experience and expertise to help guide my decisions instead of trying to make them all for me. He not only ensured that the settlement I received was more than enough to cover all my bills and expenses but he also made sure I had piece of mind and would be taken care of going forward.

– Eric G.‎
Read More Testimonials

Categories

  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Boating Accidents
  • Brain Injuries
  • Burn Accidents
  • Bus Accidents
  • Car Accidents
  • Construction Site Accidents
  • Disability
  • Distracted Driving Accident
  • Dog Bites
  • DUI Victim
  • Electrical Accidents
  • Government Entity Claims
  • Legal Malpractice
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Personal Injury
  • Premises Liability
  • Private Property Accidents
  • Product Liability
  • Sexual Assault
  • Slip and Fall
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Swimming Pool Accidents
  • Train Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Uncategorized
  • Uninsured Motorists
  • Wrongful Death
– BACK TO TOP –

Visit Us

Long Beach Office
1 World Trade Center, Suite 800
Long Beach, California 90831
P: 562-206-1939
F: 562-676-4388
Get Directions

Cardiff Office
160 Chesterfield Dr., Suite 200
Cardiff, CA 92007
760-767-8031
Get Directions

Call Us

888-394-1174
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
Personal injury lawyer Long Beach
Car accident lawyer Long Beach
Google Review
  • review_star
  • review_star
  • review_star
  • review_star
  • review_star

Michael Waks is The attorney you want to resolve your accident issues, period. He is knowledgeable, efficient, and gets maximum results when you are injured.

— Joe M
  • facebook-app-symbol
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • youtube
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Scholarship
  • Sitemap

This website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as providing formal legal advice.

Copyright © 2025 by Michael D. Waks Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer & Car Accident Attorney

Website & SEO By Sutton Digital Marketing