When this problem arises
- A product fails during ordinary intended use
- A safety defect causes damage or injury
- A seller misstates product quality or safety
Potential legal protections
Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act addresses unfair or deceptive practices in covered consumer transactions. A private claim requires more than dissatisfaction: the conduct, reliance where required, and resulting loss must be assessed.
Evidence to preserve
- Product, packaging, and identifying numbers
- Receipt, instructions, and warnings
- Incident photographs and repair or medical records
What to do now
Stop using a product that appears unsafe and preserve it when possible. Document the condition and any incident before repair, return, or disposal; seek appropriate care for an injury.
Keep a dated timeline of contacts, payments, and events. Whether a claim is available and what relief may be appropriate depend on the documents, applicable law, and facts of your situation.
Read the consumer law overview →
Related consumer problems
- Bait-and-switch advertising
- False “free” or “no cost” offers
- Refusals to honor a warranty
- Negative-option subscription traps
- Door-to-door sales pressure
- Utility and telecom billing disputes
Frequently asked questions
- Does this situation automatically mean I have a legal claim?
- Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act addresses unfair or deceptive practices in covered consumer transactions. A private claim requires more than dissatisfaction: the conduct, reliance where required, and resulting loss must be assessed.
- What should I include in my case evaluation?
- Describe what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and the loss or ongoing problem. Mention whether you have product, packaging, and identifying numbers, receipt, instructions, and warnings, incident photographs and repair or medical records. Keep the originals; do not include sensitive records in the initial form.
- Should I wait for the company to resolve my complaint?
- A complaint or negotiation does not necessarily extend legal deadlines. Court papers and notices may require an earlier response. Seek timely review while preserving correspondence and records of any promised resolution.