Manufacturer Is Sued For Confusing Safety Instructions
May 3, 2016
You should always follow a manufacturer’s safety instructions. If you get hurt because you didn’t follow the instructions, you might not be able to be compensated for your injuries.
But you should always talk to a lawyer before you decide that you made a mistake and an accident was your fault. For instance, it might turn out that the instructions weren’t clear enough to protect you.
In one recent Tennessee case, a man named King Bradley bought two new ratchet straps to secure his hunting treestand. He set up the stand, but waited several months to use it for hunting. When he did, he was injured when the straps broke.
Bradley sued the manufacturer of the straps.
The manufacturer had provided a warning that the straps should not be left out “in sunlight or other weather when not in use,” and “must be stored inside when not in use.”
But a federal appeals court said Bradley could sue anyway, because this warning was vague and confusing. For instance, it wasn’t clear whether “use” meant simply having the straps outside to support to stand, or actually using the stand for hunting.
In addition, the manufacturer didn’t say anything about how quickly the straps could deteriorate if they were left outside, or what Bradley should do to check them for wear and tear.
That’s why it’s always good to talk to a lawyer whenever there’s an injury or accident only a lawyer on your side can determine the full extent to which you might be compensated.
We are García de la Garza Attorneys at Law, your personal injury lawyers in Houston.
We are here to help you win your case. If you don’t win, you don’t pay.
Call us at : 713-784-1010.