Leonard S. Slavit | February 12, 2025

According to the Sedgwick U.S. Recall Index, the number of product recalls across the United States hit a six-year high in 2024. The reasons for the large number of recalls is complex, and the increase in recalls was not universal across the board, with some industries having a disproportionately high number of recalls and affected units, even as others fell. However, the overall trend is a potentially worrying sign for the dangers that consumers face every day.

What Does The Report Say?

According to the report, the United States saw more than 2,450 recalls, affecting more than 580 million units of consumer goods throughout 2024. This includes a 9.8% increase in the number of defective units sold in the first three quarters of the year alone, compared to the previous year. The large number of recalled items, the report notes, indicates that there are broad issues with quality control and maintaining safety standards.

What Industries Are Most Affected?

Some industries stood out as particularly problematic when it came to the number of recalls or recalled units. In particular, there were a disproportionately large number of recalls in the automotive sector, where recalls over electrical systems are increasingly commonplace, as well as in the consumer goods sector, where fire hazards remain the biggest danger. Food and drink also topped the list due to consistent issues with unlisted ingredients, including potential allergens, while pharmaceutical and medical companies saw a high number of recalls related to medical implants and software problems.

Why is This Happening?

While there is no one factor that has led to the increased number of recalls, a few potential issues stand out. First, the number of recalls may be related to changes in regulations in several industries, which manufacturers have not adjusted to. Another issue is the introduction of new technologies, such as in the automotive sector, where electrical vehicles and self-driving technology have proved to have significant problems. Additionally, some manufacturers may have simply become lax when it comes to regulatory compliance, particularly during the pandemic when many industries enjoyed the benefits of reduced legal scrutiny.

What Should You Do?

If you or someone you love has been injured or sickened due to a defective product, you should first make sure to seek immediate medical attention. After that, however, you should contact a lawyer with experience handling product liability issues. They can help you review your potential legal options, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve for the harm you have suffered.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, seeking the advice from an attorney experienced in personal injury law will help assure you get the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Levine and Slavit, PLLC assist clients in New York City and Long Island in obtaining the damages they need to cope with being the victim of negligence. For more information or to schedule a consultation with our New York personal injury lawyers, call (212) 687 2777 or fill out our contact form.