When you hear the phrase “product defect,” you may think of cell phones exploding or toys coated with lead paint. Most consumers might not expect the package that the product comes in to be potentially dangerous. But boxes, bottles and o ther forms of packaging can prove harmful as well.
How can packaging be dangerous?
The average cardboard box is not necessarily hazardous. Mistakes in production are more likely to hurt you. More specifically, packaging can be dangerous if the:
- Package contaminates or is contaminated by the contents
- Seal of the package breaks and exposes the inside to the elements
- Materials used in manufacturing the package are hazardous, such as toxic adhesive or ink
- Container can easily break, such as glass bottles and jars
These and other types of packaging failures can lead to injury. Whether you are exposed to harmful chemicals, sharp edges or spoiled goods that should have been sealed tight, opening a container can potentially leave you with cuts or even illness.
What can you do about your injury?
Getting treatment for the damage caused by a packaging defect can get very expensive. Whether you have an illness because of a substance you accidentally ingested or just a nasty cut from shattered glass, that package you received might be hurting your bank account along with your body.
You might be able to hold the manufacturer responsible if they caused your injury. If an attorney can prove that they were negligent, the maker of the package that hurt you could compensate you for the your damages.
