CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT 1987

If you have suffered personal injury as the result of a defective consumer product, you may be entitled to compensation. The Consumer Protection Act 1987 defines a defective product as an item that’s level of safety is less than an individual should reasonably expect. This Consumer Protection Act 1987 does not require proof of negligence, and covers almost all consumer goods and their parts. In a legal action, claims can be made against :-

• the "producer" (manufacturer, abstracter, or processor)
• self-branders
• importers from non-EC countries

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Services provided by tradesmen or professionals are not covered by the Consumer Protection Act 1987, instead falling under the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, which sets a provider’s “duty of care” to be job completion “to a reasonable standard at a reasonable cost.” You are legally entitled to hold back a portion of your payment to the professional if you feel you have been overcharged, but the service provider may take you to court to receive the balance of their payment.

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The General Product Safety Regulations 1994 (GPSR) adds onto the Consumer Protection Act 1987, and acts as a safety net, requiring suppliers to supply products that are “safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use” (unless covered by other specific regulations), including both new and used goods. Covered products include, but are not limited to :-

• primary agricultural and horticultural products
• clothing
• medications
• do-it-yourself tools and equipment
• household goods
• food and drink
• nursery goods
• motor vehicles
• chemicals and pesticides

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Other older laws also provide protection to consumers in relation to product safety. To avoid possible legal action, suppliers must supply products of “satisfactory quality,” meaning they must be defect-free and last for a reasonable length of time. Products must also be “as described” in any type of advertising, and they must be capable of performing their prescribed and advertised purpose.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0870 174 0140

Our lawyers are members of the Solicitors Regulation Authority panel of personal injury experts. Claims are dealt with under a no win no fee arrangement, compensation is paid in full and win or lose there is no charge. If you feel that you may be entitled to compensatory damages based on defective or substandard consumer goods, call us today on our helpline or simply complete contact form on this website for a no charge, no obligation consultation with one of our experienced solicitors.