CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
1987
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 creates strict liability for damage or injury caused by defective products throughout the United Kingdom. A defective product is one where the safety of it is not such as persons generally are entitled to expect. Under the current law it is not necessary to prove negligence and the Act is another remedy for justice in addition to actions for negligence. The Act covers almost all goods and components or raw materials and legal action can be taken against:-
- the "producer" which includes the manufacturer, abstracter or processor
- self branders
- importers from countries outside the EC
Services which are supplied by a professional or tradesman are not covered by this law however they are covered by the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. Service providers have a 'duty of care' to those they work for and work carried out must be 'to a reasonable standard at a reasonable cost.' If you believe that you have been overcharged then you have a legal right to withhold part of the payment however this may result in the tradesman or professional taking legal action for the matter to be resolved before a Judge in a Court of Law.
The General Product Safety Regulations 1994 (GPSR) effectively amends the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and is a 'safety net' that addresses the safety of all consumer goods (unless covered by other specific regulations) including new and second hand goods. Products covered include primary agricultural and horticultural products, clothing, medicines, DIY tools and equipment, household goods, food and drink, nursery goods, motor vehicles and chemicals and pesticides. This list is not exhaustive and almost all consumer goods are included. The Regulations place a general duty on all suppliers of consumer goods to supply products that are safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use.
There is other, older law that also affords consumers protection and legal action can be taken if goods purchased are not of ‘satisfactory quality' which means that products must last a reasonable time and be free of defects. Also goods must in fact be 'as described' by the seller in any advertisement which must honestly describe the product and goods must be fit for the purpose for which they were sold meaning that products must do what the supplier says they do and must have the requisite degree of safety.
"Personal Injury UK" is an independent nationwide network of solicitors offering free legal advice on consumer goods law under the The Consumer Protection Act 1987. All of our solicitors use the no win no fee scheme and do not ask for any financial contribution from you as the case proceeds. Our claims are completely risk free and you will not have to pay for any expenses, medical reports or insurance policy. Compensation is paid in full with absolutely no deductions.*
If you have been injured by lack of safety on substandard consumer goods then you may be able to claim damages. For free advice on no win no fee claims just complete the contact form and a member of The Law Society panel of personal injury experts will telephone you with no obligation. If after speaking to us you decide to proceed no further then you are quite at liberty to do so and you will not be charged for our advice.
24/7 HELPLINE 0845 177 0700