Injured by a Recalled Product? Here’s What You Need to Know

From exploding pressure cookers to faulty e-bike batteries, California consumers are facing a wave of dangerous product recalls. When everyday items become health hazards, people are left injured. 

At J&Y Law, we don’t let corporations hide behind warning labels. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been hurt by a recalled product. 

What Makes a Product ‘Defective’ Under California Law?

A product is considered legally defective if it poses an unreasonable risk when used as intended. Under California law, there are three main categories: 

• Design Defects: The product was dangerous from the start due to poor design. 

• Manufacturing Defects: A flaw occurred during the production process. 

• Failure to Warn: The product lacked adequate instructions or warnings about potential risks. 

If you were using the product as intended and still got hurt, the law may be on your side, even if there wasn’t a recall at the time. 

“When a product harms someone, the real question is whether the company puts profits over people,” says Parham Nikfarjam, Senior Trial Attorney at J&Y Law. “We’ve handled cases where clients were burned by pressure cookers or injured by faulty electronics, and time and again, we’ve seen corporations try to downplay their responsibility. The law doesn’t allow that. In California, if a product is unreasonably dangerous, the manufacturer has to pay.” 

What Are My Rights if I’m Hurt by a Recalled Product?

If you’ve been injured by a defective product, you may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit. In many cases, these claims fall under strict liability, which means you don’t need to prove the company was negligent. You only have to show that the product was defective and that it caused your injury. 

Compensation in these cases may cover: 

• Emergency medical treatment 

• Ongoing care or surgeries 

• Lost income or reduced future earnings 

• Pain and emotional suffering 

• Property damage 

Beyond financial recovery, pursuing a claim also holds manufacturers accountable and helps make products safer for everyone. 

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that you must prove negligence to win a product liability case. You don’t,” explains Nikfarjam. “California recognizes strict liability in product injury cases, which means we don’t have to show that the manufacturer was careless or reckless. We only need to prove three things: the product was defective, you used it as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way, and that defect caused your injury. That’s a much more direct path to justice.” 

Nikfarjam adds: “Compare that to a typical negligence case, like a slip and fall, where we must prove the other party failed to act reasonably. With strict liability, the focus shifts to the safety of the product itself. This framework exists because consumers can’t inspect every component of an e-bike battery or the welds inside a pressure cooker. We rely on companies to get it right, and when they don’t, they’re accountable for the consequences.” 

What Should I Do After a Product Injury?

Acting quickly is key to building a strong case. Here’s what you should do: 

• Preserve the Product: Don’t throw it away. Keep it exactly as it was at the time of injury. 

• Take Photos: Document your injuries, the scene, and the product. 

• Seek Medical Treatment: Your health and your medical records are both crucial. 

• Avoid Further Use: Don’t test or repair the item – let it remain in its current condition. 

• Contact an Attorney: Product liability cases require technical investigation and expert support. J&Y Law can guide you. 

Can I Still Sue if I Didn’t Register My Product or See the Recall?

Yes. The law does not require you to register your product or even see a recall notice in order to file a claim. If the product was defective and caused you harm, you may still be entitled to compensation. 

Manufacturers often recall products only after injuries occur. That delay shouldn’t cost you justice. 

How Common Are Product Recalls in California?

In just the past few months, California has seen: 

• Exploding kitchen appliances 

• Electric vehicles with failing brakes 

• E-bikes overheating and catching fire 

• Children’s toys with dangerous small parts 

These are not one-off mistakes. They reflect serious breakdowns in corporate responsibility. 

Talk to J&Y Law About Your Product Injury

If a recalled or defective product injured you or someone you love, don’t wait. These cases are complex, time-sensitive, and high-stakes. 

Let our product liability attorneys take on the manufacturer, cut through the red tape, and demand the compensation you deserve. We win, and that’s no accident. 

Call J&Y Law at (424) 453-2310 for a free case review today.