What Happens If You’re Injured by a Counterfeit or Knockoff Product?

Counterfeit and knockoff products are flooding the market, and while they may look like the real thing, they often come with serious risks. From defective electronics and unsafe car parts to harmful medications and beauty products, these items can put consumers in danger. Whether purchased online, from a third-party seller, or even from a retailer you trust, counterfeit goods can cause serious harm.

If you’ve been injured by a counterfeit or knockoff product, knowing your rights is essential. Gold, Khourey & Turak (GKT) has spent over 45 years helping injury victims in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania hold negligent companies accountable. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of counterfeit products and how we can help if you’ve been harmed.

The Hidden Dangers of Counterfeit and Knockoff Products

Counterfeit products are illegal imitations of brand-name goods, often made with substandard materials and no safety oversight. Knockoffs, while not always illegal, still pose risks because they are not manufactured to the same quality and safety standards as genuine products.

1. Poor Manufacturing and Inferior Materials

Counterfeit manufacturers prioritize profit over safety. That means cutting corners on materials and production, leading to dangerous defects such as:

• Faulty electronics that overheat or catch fire due to cheap batteries and wiring.
• Automotive parts that fail because they don’t meet safety standards, increasing the risk of car accidents.
• Baby products and toys made with toxic materials, exposing children to serious health risks.

2. No Quality Control or Safety Testing

Legitimate brands must follow strict safety regulations before their products hit the market. Counterfeiters do not. Without proper testing, these products may have hidden defects that cause injury or even death.

3. Serious Health Risks

• Counterfeit medications may contain the wrong ingredients, incorrect dosages, or toxic substances.
• Fake cosmetics and personal care products may contain harmful chemicals, leading to skin damage, infections, or long-term health effects.
• Knockoff supplements and food products may be contaminated or ineffective, creating additional health dangers.

4. No Warranty, No Accountability

Unlike reputable brands, counterfeit products do not come with warranties, return policies, or customer support. If something goes wrong, the seller often disappears, leaving injured consumers with nowhere to turn—except legal action.

What Can You Do If You’re Injured by a Counterfeit or Knockoff Product?

If you’ve been hurt by a counterfeit product, you might wonder who can be held responsible—especially if the manufacturer is untraceable. The good news is that you still have legal options.

1. Identifying the Counterfeit Product

A crucial step in your case is proving that the product is counterfeit or a defective knockoff. This often requires:

• Expert analysis to confirm manufacturing flaws.
• Investigating the supply chain to determine how the product was sold.
• Gathering receipts, packaging, and purchase records to show where the item came from.

An experienced product liability attorney can help track down this information and build a strong case.

2. Who Can Be Held Liable?

Even if the manufacturer is overseas or unknown, there are other parties that may be responsible for your injuries in certain circumstances, including:

Retailers and Online Marketplaces

• If a store, website, or third-party seller sold you a counterfeit or knockoff product, they may be liable—especially if they failed to warn you about potential risks.
• Amazon, eBay, and other online platforms have been held accountable for allowing counterfeit products to be sold on their sites.

Importers and Distributors

• If the product was imported into the United States, the company that brought it into the country may be legally responsible for placing a dangerous product in the marketplace.

Manufacturers of Defective Knockoffs

• Even though counterfeit manufacturers often hide their identity, some knockoff brands operate legally but produce unsafe products. These companies can be sued under product liability laws.

3. Filing a Product Liability Claim

Product liability laws exist to protect consumers from dangerous and defective products—whether counterfeit or genuine. Possible legal claims include:

• Design Defects: A poorly designed counterfeit product that inherently causes injury, such as a knockoff phone charger that sparks electrical fires.
• Manufacturing Defects: A dangerously made product that does not function as intended, such as counterfeit brakes that fail while driving.
• Failure to Warn: If a product lacks safety instructions or warnings, sellers and manufacturers may be liable.

4. Compensation for Your Injuries

If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills, including future medical costs.
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Pain and suffering caused by the defective product.
• The consequences of a long-term disability or permanent injury.

At GKT, our experienced attorneys fight to ensure that injured consumers receive full and fair compensation.

How Gold, Khourey & Turak Can Help

Pursuing a claim involving a counterfeit or knockoff product requires legal expertise and thorough investigation. At GKT, we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to take on these complex cases.

1. Free Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case at no cost and provide straightforward legal guidance on the best path forward.

2. Investigation and Expert Analysis

We work with product safety experts to analyze the counterfeit item, identify responsible parties, and gather the necessary evidence.

3. Holding Retailers and Sellers Accountable

Even if the manufacturer is unknown, we pursue distributors, retailers, and importers to ensure those responsible for selling dangerous products are held liable.

4. Negotiation and Litigation

We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies, sellers, and responsible parties to secure maximum compensation—and if necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

5. 24/7 Support

When you need help, we’re here. You can reach us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at:

• Call us at (304) 845-9750
• Live Chat at GKT.com
• Fill out our online form for a free case evaluation

Need Help? Get Help. Get GKT.

Counterfeit and knockoff products are not just a scam—they can cause serious injuries and life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured by a fake or defective product, you don’t have to face the challenge alone.

Gold, Khourey & Turak (GKT) has been protecting injured consumers for over 45 years, and we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let a counterfeit product ruin your future.

Call us today at (304) 845-9750, chat with us online, or fill out our online form for a free consultation.

Need help? Get help. Get GKT.