The Troubling Implications of Phone Charger Accidents
Jackson, Wyoming (PRWEB) July 30, 2013 -- Smartphones and their peripheral attachments can get expensive. Even after a consumer has purchased their mobile device and an attendant plan to go along with it, they must buy screen protectors, a car charger, a wall charger, and more.
As a result, numerous people are turning to third-party equipment in order to reduce the overall costs of their purchase of a new phone. Unfortunately, not only might knockoff devices fail to charge a phone properly, but recent reports have shown that they could actually be dangerous.
An article featured on Mashable on July 19 titled “Deadly Fake iPhone Charger Accidents Plague Thrifty Users” relates the story of two Chinese users who suffered serious shock injuries from their imitation chargers. One of those individuals was killed while another was put into a coma.
Many times, the phony chargers fail to meet the technological specifications of the branded chargers, which have override systems in place that are designed to limit danger if too much electricity is flowing in. Without such protections, the chargers can overheat, potentially prompting a fire. If the user makes contact, he or she could suffer a shock.
The Ochs Law Firm has been monitoring this story and worries about what it could mean for consumers who did nothing wrong other than try to save a couple bucks. The practice’s Jackson personal injury lawyers, led by attorney Jason Ochs, hope that consumers will comprehend the threat and take the necessary steps to avoid danger.
“More and more evidence is piling up pointing to deficiencies in third party hardware that could compromise the safety of Smartphone users,” said Mr. Ochs. “Many people might think that the price of a branded charger is outrageous considering what was just forked over for a phone. But trust me when I say that that small upcharge is nothing compared to a loss of life or the price of longterm medical care, which accident victims can attest will add up all too quickly.”
So what can consumers do to protect themselves, besides sticking with products branded by the same company that made the phone? After all, many of the items might already be in the possession of a user, and knowing whether it’s safe or if a potential purchase could be fraudulent isn’t always easy. Jason Ochs offers a couple tips:
•Look For A Seal of Approval- Most electronics that arrive on American store shelves will bear the mark of Underwriters Laboratory, a certification organization that puts items through the rigors before they obtain approval. When choosing a charger, look for the UL symbol on the packaging or the charger itself.
•Peruse Recalls- Concerned consumers are advised to visit the website of the Consumer Product Safety Commission to check on any potential recalls. Savvy consumers can keep up to date with the latest developments by monitoring the site.
•Purchase New- A used cellphone charger could suffer from some type of internal damage that isn’t easily identifiable, or it could be a knockoff peripheral that a seller is trying to pass off as new. Stick to well-known retail outlets and purchase the charger new.
•Be Safe- If a phone or charger heats up to an unsafe degree, it should be unplugged at once and brought in to a repair shop to verify that safety of the device can be assured.
These quick tips should help consumers avoid the most threatening aspects of third-party peripheral hardware.
Ochs Law is an award-winning practice recognized by such entities as the American Trial Lawyers Association, Super Lawyers, the Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice. With offices in Wyoming, California, and Colorado, the firm is able to offer representation to victims of defective products as well as assistance to persons going through divorce, filing class action lawsuits, defending against criminal accusations, and more. Visit their website to learn more about representation.
Jason Ochs, Ochs Law Firm, http://ochslawfirm.com, 307-739-3959, [email protected]
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