The year 2016 is a year that quite a few people didn't mind putting behind them. With the political spectacle that was unfolding before everyone's eyes every day, the unexpected deaths of cherished artists, and the alarming number of mass shootings we've encountered, many are looking forward to a fresh start. But there are several issues in the last year that will overlap in 2017 that affect the lives of thousands of people. One of these issues is the distribution of defective products. Hundreds of items that the majority of people living in the United States use every day are considered faulty and dangerous. Here are the top three products you should look out for:

Takata Air Bags

Vehicles manufactured by various automakers were involved in a massive recall to replace frontal airbags. The faulty bags on both the passenger and driver's side have been known to explosively expand, leaving drivers seriously injured or dead. In a year's time, the airbags have done quite a bit of damage, causing 11 casualties and approximately 180 injuries. Takata, the airbags' manufacturer, has identified the heart of the problem as the inflator. Within the inflator is a metal cartridge filled with propellant wafers. Takata determined that the improperly inflated airbag caused metal shards from this cartridge to shoot out through the frontal area. Since a whopping $42 million cars on the road acquire Takata airbags, the National Highway traffic Safety Administration has deemed it the largest and most complex recall in United States history. The organization estimates that all the airbags should be fixed in 2023.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder

Thousands of women have sued massive product manufacturer Johnson & Johnson for harmful substances in their baby powder. The powder, which is known for its softness, has been sprinkled in women's underwear for decades in hopes of preventing chafing and to keep the area “fresh” and dry. Campaigns have alluded to the powder's ability to cover up foul odors in the area, vouching that “a sprinkle a day, keeps the odor away.” However, research has revealed that the mineral is linked to ovarian cancer when used for feminine hygiene. Johnson & Johnson has already compensated a total amount of $200 million to victims, and there are over 2,000 similar cases pending against the manufacturer.

GM Ignition Switches

Multinational vehicle manufacturer General Motors, also known as GM, has been under fire for producing faulty ignition switches in many vehicle models. There have been reports of the switches causing major issues that compromise thousands of drivers' safety. Incidents where engines were cut off while a vehicle was in use, causing drivers to lose control along with the disabling of breaks has resulted in 124 casualties and 274 injuries. So far, GM has paid about $2 billion to victims through settlements and civil penalties.

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to the negligence of a company, you may be entitled to compensation. The Brod Law Firm is dedicated to giving you the best results possible. Contact them online or call 1-888-435-7946 for a free consultation. We serve all of the state of Pennsylvania from our offices in Philadelphia, Reading and Bala Cynwyd.