Hot Pocket Frozen Food Recall May Impact New Hampshire Communities

January 27, 2021

Unfortunately, food health and safety issues arise more frequently than we realize. Whether you shop in-person, pick up groceries curbside, or get them delivered, we all have to get our weekly necessities somehow. When you carefully select your items, however, there is a reasonable assumption of food safety and freshness, no matter what you’re buying. In the event that a product is spoiled or contains hazardous materials that could injure you, you may have grounds to file a New Hampshire product liability lawsuit for damages.

For example, according to a recent news report, a frozen food favorite–Hot Pockets–were recalled nationally after extraneous materials were discovered inside the product. According to federal regulatory officials, these frozen food products were recalled after a potential case of glass and plastic contamination was discovered. Following several consumer complaints of extraneous materials in their food and one complaint of an injury, the manufacturing company of the frozen food recalled more than 750,000 pounds of product that had been shipped to various stores across the country.

New Hampshire, like other states, has specific laws that cover product liability claims in the event that a faulty product injures or kills someone. A product liability action can be brought in New Hampshire when personal injury, property damage, or death takes place that was caused by a defective product. The product could have been made faulty or defective in the process of development, manufacture, warning, or advertising, among other things. Manufacturers may also be liable in situations where they misrepresented claims associated with the product or were negligent in the process of production or assembly. Potential plaintiffs can sue manufacturers or other companies in the supply chain that are responsible for bringing a product to market.

Following an injury or death from a defective product, filing a legal claim may be the furthest from your mind. New Hampshire, however, has a strict statute of limitations rules for product liability claims that means potential plaintiffs should move as quickly as possible if they have an interest in pursuing a lawsuit. Claims can no longer be filed three years or more after the injury could have been reasonably discovered or 12 years after the item was given away or sold. This statute of limitations, however, does not apply to cases where the manufacturing company used fraud or deception to mislead consumers about the dangers associated with the product. Product liability claims are often complex, and may require the testimony of an expert witness to establish that the product was the cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. Thus, anyone considering bringing a product liability claim against a business should consult with an attorney experienced in these cases.

If you or someone you know has been recently injured by a faulty product, you should contact the product liability attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. Our team of lawyers has years of experience representing clients in all kinds of personal injury claims, including New Hampshire slip and falls, car accidents, truck wrecks, and more. We will work with you to help you and your loved ones pursue the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact us at 800-804-2004.