Product Liability
Product-Liability Claims: What to Preserve Before the Product Disappears
The product itself, packaging, receipts, photographs, warnings, and purchase records may become central evidence in a defect claim.
Do not throw the product away
If a product may have caused an injury, keep it in the condition it was in after the event if doing so is safe. Avoid repairing, testing, disassembling, or modifying it unless a qualified professional advises you to do so.
Preserve packaging and identifying details
Save model numbers, serial numbers, instruction manuals, labels, warnings, receipts, order confirmations, and photographs. These details can help identify the exact version of a product and the chain through which it was sold.
Document the scene and damage
Take photographs of the product, surrounding area, damaged property, and any visible injury if appropriate. A wider set of images often gives more context than one close-up photo.
Keep later communications
Save emails, return requests, recall notices, customer-service messages, and communications with insurers or retailers. Avoid sending the product away before you understand whether it may be needed as evidence.
Questions to bring to counsel
- Which deadlines or notice rules could apply?
- What records should I preserve now?
- What facts are still missing before the matter can be evaluated?
- How are fees, costs, and communication handled?
This page provides general information only. Laws and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and facts. Speak with a licensed attorney for advice about a specific matter.