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Why timing matters after injury from a faulty product

On Behalf of | Jun 15, 2025 | Product Liability |

Maybe it was a ladder that collapsed mid-step, a kitchen appliance that caught fire or a tool that snapped without warning — and now you’re dealing with burns, broken bones or an injury that’s going to follow you for a while. You’re probably still figuring out what to do next, but here’s the problem: when your injury involves a defective product, waiting too long can quietly shut the door on your right to do anything about it.

When the clock starts ticking

In Georgia, you usually have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim — not from the day you realize the product was defective or the harm was serious, and that deadline runs fast. 

Depending on how old the product is, you could run into another wall: Georgia law cuts off most lawsuits entirely if the product was first sold more than ten years ago. There’s an exception if the manufacturer failed to warn you about a known danger, but that’s harder to prove and doesn’t apply in every case. 

So, you’re not just up against one deadline — you’re up against two, and missing either one can end your case before it ever begins.

The longer you wait, the more you lose

Faulty products don’t stay faulty forever — you might discard, repair or replace the faulty product before you even realize you’ll need it as evidence.. And that creates a major problem when it’s time to prove what went wrong. 

Without the product, it’s harder to run tests, inspect the failure or show a jury the actual defect that hurt you. Add to that the reality that security footage gets erased, witnesses forget details and medical records take time to request — and you start to see why the first few weeks after an injury matter more than most people realize.

Preserve your right to full recovery

Product manufacturers often have entire legal teams trained to deny liability, shift blame or argue that you caused the injury by using the item incorrectly. And the longer you wait to act, the more power you give them to do that. 

You may still be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income or permanent injuries — but the strength of that claim depends on what you can prove. Early action doesn’t mean jumping straight into a lawsuit; it means locking down your evidence and giving yourself the ability to recover fully, not partially.

Here’s what you do next

Start by preserving whatever you can: the product, the packaging, your receipts, photos of the injury and even notes about what happened. If something about the situation feels off, trust that instinct and get answers while time is still on your side. You don’t have to commit to anything today, but you do need to protect your future options, because once your time runs out, the law won’t give you a second chance to step forward.