Product recalls happen when manufacturers introduce a new product or commodity to the market for resale, but the product is defective and dangerous in some way. Manufacturers these days are in high competition and always in a rush when it comes to getting their products out on the market to start making fast cash; the subsequent problem that arises from this situation is that some products are not properly tested before they are released to the public. When a person is injured as a result of a defective product, it falls under product liability law, and victims may be entitled to compensation for their damages.

Continue reading to learn about some dangerous and life-threatening product recalls that have occurred in the past few decades, and who to call if someone you know has been recently injured by a defective product.

Manufacturer Re-Calls

The worst part about manufacturer product recalls is that they usually go unnoticed until someone is injured or killed by them. Fatalities and injuries from defective products is the number one reason for recalls. Improper testing, inadequate research, and even tampering are causes of defective products. And tampering can is a criminal offense. Look below at some astonishing and dangerous product recalls that have taken place over the past several years in the United States.

2010- Toyota

The world’s largest auto maker was forced to recall twice in 2010. Faulty pedals and ill-fitting floor mats were to blame. More than 40 million vehicles were recalled in March, while 53 million more were recalled later in November.

2009 – Simplicity Drop Side Cribs

These Chinese-manufactured cribs came with a detachable side that could break easily. Once broken, it created an opening between the side and the mattress, leaving a space that could trap or suffocate children. Unfortunately, an 8 month old infant died in Texas caused by this product defect.

2008 – Ground Beef

The Department of Agriculture ordered the Hallmark-Westland Meat Company to recall more than 140 pounds of ground beef because it may have been contaminated with a bovine disease. The mean was thought to be contaminated with a disease call Downer Cattle. The company had to pay more than 60 million dollars in restitution and fines related to this recall. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported.

2007 – Mattel Toys

Lead contamination was the culprit behind this 2007 recall. More than 18 million toys, manufactured in China, were recalled.

2006 – Renu MoistureLoc Contact Lens Solution

Bausch & Lomb paid the piper when their contact lens solution was recalled for potentially being linked to a blinding eye infection called Fusarium Fungus. Their company losses were reported to be over 100 million dollars.

2004 – Vioxx

Meant to treat arthritis, this drug was recalled, worldwide, after a study linked it to strokes and heart attacks. The company paid nearly five billion dollars in restitution for over 25,000 lawsuits filed against them for consumer injuries and wrongful deaths.

2000 – Fire Stone Tires

Over six million tires were recalled after faulty manufacturing on Ford Explorer vehicles caused countless motor vehicle accidents resulting in 175 deaths and nearly 700 injuries. Their company losses were reported to be over 100 million dollars.

1994 – General Mills Cheerios

A grower uses the wrong pesticide to produce the grains made for Cheerios cereal. This contamination led to over 75 million dollars in company losses.

1993 – Pepsi

Although a few years later Coca-Cola will experience a product recall in Europe, Pepsi had to recall in 1993 due to alleged product tampering using needles! Pepsi lost over 35 million dollars.

1982 – Tylenol

Surprisingly, Tylenol was recalled in 1982 for alleged cyanide tampering. As a result of product extortion, this suspicion led to more than 30 million bottles to be recalled.

1978 – Ford Pinto

Everyone seems to remember this product recall very well. Back in 1978, the popular Ford Pinto was finally recalled for explosive reasons. Rear-end collisions caused the car to essentially blowup, because the fuel tank was positioned improperly inside the vehicle. Although there were several suspicions of this before it was released to the public, Ford chose to deal with any potential lawsuits rather than solving the problem. The result was countless fatalities and injuries among consumers. Criminal charges and lawsuits were brought before the company, who was eventually found not guilty, but Ford still recalled their vehicles and stopped making them in 1981.

Get a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been recently injured as a result of a defective product, contact an Indianapolis product Liability lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to legal compensation for your damages. Be sure to act fast, before the statute of limitations runs out, and your chance for remuneration is gone.

Craven. Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Call Craven. Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about defective product injuries and product liability lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, can get you the compensation you and your family deserves after being injured or killed by a defective product, medication, drug, foodstuff, and more. We offer free initial consultations, and we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 and speak with a seasoned and well-versed product liability lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.