{"id":353231,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:43","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/consumer-protection-laws-and-agencies.html"},"modified":"2024-01-19T14:15:49","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T19:15:49","slug":"consumer-protection-laws-and-agencies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/consumer-protection-laws-and-agencies.html","title":{"rendered":"How Do Consumer Protection Agencies Protect Us From Dangerous Products?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How Do Consumer Protection Agencies Protect Us From Dangerous Products?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Consumer protection agencies help safeguard the public from dangerous products and unfair business practices. Agencies such as the FDA and CPSC investigate complaints, issue recalls, and enforce safety standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Consumers suffer injuries while using defective products or eating dangerous foods all the time. These cases fall under “product liability<\/a>.” Consumers are at the mercy of product manufacturers and retailers. Consumer protection agencies are critically important to American consumers.<\/p>\n

Most manufacturers’ products are safe. When a product poses a safety risk, manufacturers must warn consumers. You should be able to trust that these companies have your health and welfare at heart. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. It often comes down to a matter of money. Will it cost the company more money to fix a product than it would to settle lawsuits?<\/p>\n

Thankfully, agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are there to keep you and your family safe.<\/p>\n

This article discusses some helpful consumer protection agencies. It also explains how to protect yourself and your loved ones from dangerous products. Finally, it describes what you can do if you’re hurt using a defective product<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can file a complaint if harmed by a defective product. But some situations may necessitate professional legal help. If you have been injured by a consumer product, consider contacting a product liability attorney<\/a> near you. An experienced attorney has the knowledge, tools, and resources to build a strong case, negotiate on your behalf, and help recover the compensation you deserve.<\/p>\n

How a Network of Laws Keeps Consumers Safe<\/h2>\n

Most consumers do their homework before making large purchases. But, when it comes to everyday products, most of us buy whatever is available. This makes us vulnerable to dangerous products. Thankfully, several laws, regulations, and agencies are looking out for us.<\/p>\n

At the same time, many companies try to take advantage of consumers. For this reason, government and non-profit agencies have come together to\u00a0protect us<\/a>\u00a0from scams and unfair business practices.<\/p>\n

Laws that keep us safe from unsafe products and scams include the following:<\/p>\n