The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Tester Model NCVT-1. According to the CSPC, the on/off button can remain depressed during the power-on or power-off cycle, causing the tester to work improperly. If the tester is not functioning properly, consumers testing electrical sources using the defective product could be unaware of the presence of live voltage and therefore exposing themselves to a shock hazard.
If you purchased the Non-Contact Voltage Tester Model NCVT-1 that has been recalled, stop using it even if using it has caused you no problems or issues. Contact Klein Tools to return the product at no charge for a replacement. Call their customer service at 800-527-3099 or email ncvt1recall@kleintools.com. Klein Tools will replace and to you a replacement product as required by law and applicable consumer product regulations. Please note Klein will not send a replacement before they receive the recalled unit back.
What Are Electric Shock Injuries?
Since the recalled non-contact voltage testers exposed consumers to a shock hazard, it is essential to discuss electric shock injuries. When an electrical shock occurs, a victim is likely to suffer severe burns and other serious injuries.
Depending on the voltage of the electrical current, a victim may suffer the following injuries:
- Burn injuries
- Damage to internal organs
- Cardiac arrest
- Wounds to the exposed skin surface
- Tissue damage
- Nerve damage
- Ventricular fibrillation
A current of between 100 and 200 milliamperes can cause death. Electrocution can be a life-changing and traumatizing experience. If an electrical shock was the result of a defective product, the injured victim and their family might be able to pursue compensation through a product liability lawsuit.
What Do You Need to Prove to Win a Product Liability Case?
When you suffer injuries due to a defective voltage tester or other electrical equipment, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a product liability lawsuit against the product’s manufacturer, designer, and other liable parties.
However, just because you were injured while using electrical equipment does not necessarily mean that you can obtain financial compensation.
To prevail on your product liability claim, an injured party must prove:
- The product had a manufacturing or design defect, or the manufacturer failed to provide adequate instructions or warning labels;
- The defective product caused the injury and damages; and
- The injured party used the product in a way that was intended by the manufacturer.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to sue multiple parties for the defective product that caused your injuries. Any party in the chain of distribution can be held responsible. It is advisable to consult with an experienced lawyer to discuss your unique case and identify liable parties in your product liability lawsuit.
Seeking Compensation for a Defective Product Injury
If you were using the recalled Non-Contact Voltage Tester Model NCVT-1 and suffered injuries as a result, then talk to an experienced defective products lawyer who can assess your case and advise you as to what your legal rights are. If you are injured using a defective product, you have a right to file a claim and obtain compensation for your injuries if you meet all other requirements for filing a products liability case. These requirements are complex, so it is better that you have a lawyer who handles this type of case to help you make a strong claim for compensation in full for your injuries.
An experienced lawyer will first assess your case to determine whether the facts in your case are sufficient to support filing a claim for compensation. If they are, then your lawyer will help prepare and file your case and guide you every step of the way to seek and obtain maximum compensation for your injuries sustained from using the recalled product.
Besides making sure you file a strong case, an attorney should also make sure you comply with the filing deadlines for this type of case. These deadlines are strict, and if you miss them, then that is the end of your case, as you will be unable to obtain any money as compensation for your injuries. For this reason, you need to get in touch with the right law firm right away, so you do not risk missing this important deadline.
Recovering Damages in a Product Liability Lawsuit
When filing a product liability lawsuit, injured victims can recover two categories of damages: compensatory damages and punitive damages. While compensatory damages offset an injury sustained by the victim, courts award punitive damages to punish the defendant for their wrongful conduct.
Compensatory damages can fall into the categories of economic and non-economic losses:
- Economic damages include any costs and expenses incurred by the injured victim because of the product’s defect. Common examples of economic damages are medical bills, loss of income, property damage, diminished earning capacity, and others.
- Non-economic damages are any intangible losses suffered by the plaintiff because of the defendant’s negligence or wrongful conduct. Since these damages are intangible losses, it can be difficult to assign a dollar value to them. Common examples include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, disfigurement, permanent scarring, and others.
As for punitive damages, these damages are rarely awarded in product liability cases because the plaintiff must prove that the defendant engaged in malicious, fraudulent, or other especially harmful conduct.
Reach out to a Defective Products Lawyer
If you suffered injuries using the recalled Non-Contact Voltage Tester Model NCVT-1, consult a defective products lawyer about potentially holding the manufacturer or retailer liable for your injuries.
You want a law firm with a long track record of success in product liability cases, which can include significant jury verdicts and settlements. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable San Antonio product liability lawyer to discuss your product-related injuries today.