Miscellaneous Products: Overview
In 1972 Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Act (Act) creating the Federal agency in charge of general consumer products, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Act allows the CPSC to create both voluntary and mandatory rules to regulated hundreds of products. The Act defines a consumer product as "any article, or component part thereof, produced or distributed (i) for sale to a consumer for use in or around a permanent or temporary household or residence, a school, in recreation, or otherwise, or (ii) for the personal use, consumption or enjoyment of a consumer in or around a permanent or temporary household or residence, a school, in recreation, or otherwise." However, the Act specifically excludes tobacco products, automobiles, pesticides, aircraft, boats, food products, drugs, and cosmetics from the reach of the CPSC. Other federal agencies including, but not limited to, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulate these excluded products.
In passing the Act, Congress determined that there are an "unacceptable number of consumer products which present unreasonable risks of injury." Unfortunately there are still thousands who are injured by defective products each year. From baby cribs to bicycle helmets and from fireworks to swimming pool mishaps, accidents and injuries will occur no matter how diligent the government works to prevent them. Manufacturers will continue to negligently and recklessly design products that may pose unacceptable and as yet unrecognizable risks.
If you have been injured by a defective or dangerous product, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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