Texas injury attorneys: new harmful product consumer database to debut

Consumer protection just got a little better in the US, after approval of a Final Rule by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which establishes a consumer product safety complaint database that can be accessed by the public.

 

The database will allow consumers who are harmed by a product to enter information, as well as other professionals who learn of a product-related injury or fatality (this includes doctors, nurses, other health professionals, lawyers, safety officers, etc.)

 

The database will include reports from consumers and other professionals, recall information, manufacture comments, and any other information that the CPSC feels is important to the public.  However, people who report unsafe products must provide enough information in order for the report to be included in the database and made public.  This includes an identifiable consumer product, manufacturer or private label and a description of how the product caused injury or death.

 

The CPSC tried to work protections for manufacturers into the Final Rule.  Manufacturers be able to contest reports of harm in the database, correct reports, and can ask that parts of reports be made confidential and not shared publically.  Another manufacturer protection is a rule that the commission must remove or fix incorrect reports and delete duplicate reports within 7 days of finding the problem.

 

When can you start using this database?  March 11 is the target launch date, with outreach and training by the CPSC happening before then.

 

• Hurt by a dangerous consumer product?  Take action – call our office today at (877) 724-7800