Buying items on Instagram can feel quick and convenient. You may see an ad or an influencer recommendation, tap a couple of buttons, and a product shows up at your door. If something you bought through Instagram hurts you, it can be scary and confusing — especially if you’re not even sure who the real seller is.
Here are practical steps to take after a product-related injury to help protect your health and your ability to make a claim in Miami, Florida.
Get Medical Care First
The immediate step after an injury is to get a professional medical evaluation. If your injury is severe, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. Even if the injury appears minor, seeing a doctor can ensure all injuries are properly diagnosed and documented. Certain injuries, such as burns, traumatic brain injuries, infections, and internal injuries, can develop complications or worsen over time.
Medical records also help connect your injury to the product, which can become relevant later if you decide to pursue a claim.
Stop Using the Product and Keep It
As soon as you can, stop using the product. Don’t try to fix it, take it apart, or throw it away. Put it somewhere safe.
Also, keep anything that came with it, including:
- Packaging
- Instructions
- Warning labels
- Order confirmation, receipt, or shipping info
If you can, take photos or video of the product, what went wrong, and your injuries.
Write Down What Happened While It’s Fresh in Your Mind
When you’re able, take a few minutes to jot down what you remember. It doesn’t have to be perfect — just get the details on paper.
Include details like:
- The date you bought the item and when you used it
- How you were using it when you got hurt
- What failed or malfunctioned
- Whether you were using it the way it was intended
If anyone saw what happened, get their contact information. Even a short statement from an eyewitness can be useful later.
Preserve the Social Media Evidence
Social media purchases are risky because the ads and listings can disappear.
If you still can, take screenshots of:
- The Instagram ad, post, Reel, or Story that promoted it
- The seller or brand profile
- The product description and photos
- Any comments that mention safety issues
- Messages between you and the seller/brand
If an influencer promoted the product, screenshot that content too. It may help show how the product was marketed and what claims were made.
Be Careful About What You Say to the Seller or Insurer
Sometimes the seller, brand, or an insurance company will reach out quickly and ask questions or request a statement. It’s understandable to want to explain what happened, but be cautious.
A careless statement might be used to downplay your injuries or shift blame. Take your time and get advice before talking.
Understand the Basics of Product Liability
Product liability cases often come down to one of three issues:
- A design defect (the product is unsafe even when made correctly)
- A manufacturing defect (something went wrong during production)
- Missing or inadequate warnings/instructions
Regarding Instagram purchases, responsibility may not rest with a single party. Depending on the situation, it could involve the manufacturer, distributor, importer, or seller. That’s one reason these cases can get complicated quickly.
Be Mindful of Time Limits
Florida has deadlines that can limit how long you have to take legal action after an injury. Waiting too long can hurt your options, and evidence is often easier to collect early — especially when an online seller changes names, deletes listings, or disappears altogether.
Call Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation With a Miami Product Liability Attorney
If you were injured by a product you bought through Instagram, you may have options. Product liability cases are complicated. They involve technical evidence, many companies, and sometimes sellers that can be hard to track down.
For more information, please contact the experienced Miami personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Miami-Dade County and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys
169 E Flagler St Suite 1639, Miami, FL 33131
Phone: (305) 916-6455
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 25.7745507, -80.1906096
