Top 7 Common Defective Products Found in California Homes

Is your home safe—or is it hiding a danger you didn’t expect? Every year, thousands of Californians suffer preventable injuries due to common defective products that seem harmless at first glance. Many of these products are designed for everyday use in households nationwide.

But what happens when they fail? Understanding which items pose risks and when you might be eligible for compensation under product liability California laws can protect your family and your rights.

Below, we list the top seven culprits and what you need to know next.

Why This Matters: The Shocking Truth About Household Injuries

According to the National Safety Council, over 12.7 million people were treated in emergency departments in 2023 due to injuries from consumer products. 

Shockingly, these incidents frequently happen in home and community settings—places we consider safe. The highest rates of household injuries occur among children and the elderly, making health and safety at home a top priority.

In California, Proposition 65 states that some household products and appliances can expose residents to toxic substances linked to cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive issues. Many residents aren’t even aware of these risks until someone gets hurt, sometimes tragically leading to deaths related to injuries.

Top 7 Common Defective Products That Could Be Hiding in Your Home

Here are the most dangerous everyday items that could be putting your family at risk:

1. Faulty Appliances

Appliances like ovens, refrigerators, or toasters may malfunction due to electrical wiring defects or substandard manufacturing.

• Risk: Burn hazards, exposure to electrical leads, or fires
• Most affected home location: Kitchen
• What to do: Regularly inspect cords and only purchase items with a clear product safety label

2. Child Safety Products

Cribs, car seats, or child-proof locks can fail when poorly made or improperly designed.

• Risk: Mechanical suffocation, entrapment
• Common injury location: Children’s rooms
• Takeaway: Always check for recall notices and review safety certifications

3. Cleaning Products

Many household chemicals and cleaning products contain poisonous substances that are not always properly labeled.

• Risk: Ingestion or skin burns
• What to keep nearby: A first aid kit and contact info for emergency services
• Stat: Poison control centers in the U.S. receive over 2 million calls per year about exposure to toxic substances 

4. Space Heaters

Space heaters can be burn hazards or cause fires due to faulty appliances or overheating mechanisms.

• Suggested tip: Install smoke detectors near bedrooms and living areas
• Extra precaution: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, bedding, and curtains to reduce fire risk

5. Defective Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Essential for home safety, these devices are designed to alert you to fire or dangerous gas leaks—but when they fail, the consequences can be deadly.

• Risk: Undetected fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, delayed emergency response
• Common failure: Dead batteries, faulty sensors, or lack of proper installation
• Tip: Test detectors monthly, replace batteries regularly, and only purchase detectors from reputable retailers

6. Power Strips and Extension Cords

Cheap or damaged cords pose a major risk, especially those with exposed electrical leads.

• Risk: Electric shock, house fires
• Local tip: Check with certified electricians in Downtown Bakersfield for approved replacements

7. Televisions and Furniture

Unanchored TVs or heavy furniture can tip over, especially in homes with toddlers.

• Risk: Crushing injuries or death rate increases in young children
• Prevention: Use anti-tip devices, especially near areas where children play

Legal Rights: When Is a Product Liability Claim Valid?

In product liability California cases, victims may be eligible for compensation if:

• The product was defective by design or manufacturing
• The product failed to warn users about its risks
• The defective product directly caused the injury

If you’ve suffered an injury due to one of these common defective products, a defective product lawyer in Bakersfield can evaluate your claim and help you seek justice.

What To Do After an Injury at Home

If a defective product harms you or someone in your household, follow these steps:

1. Seek urgent care or emergency services immediately
2. Preserve the product and packaging as evidence
3. Take photos of the injury and the scene
4. Document medical treatment and keep all receipts
5. Contact a defective product lawyer in Bakersfield for legal evaluation

FAQs on Defective Product Claims in California