Consumer & Compensation Law · European Union

Get What You’re Owed for Defective Products With the Right Lawyer

A faulty appliance, a dangerous toy, a car part that failed — the seller and manufacturer both hope you’ll simply walk away. We match you, free of charge, with a defective products lawyer in the relevant country who knows what you’re entitled to and how to recover it.

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  • Lawyers across the EU & EEA
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14
Legal practice categories
155+
Specialised legal services
24–48h
Average first response
€0
Cost to get matched

Who this is for

Faulty goods are a legal problem, not just a disappointing purchase

Defective products law covers what happens when something you bought fails to work, breaks prematurely, or turns out to be unsafe — and who must put it right. Across the European Union, buyers are generally protected by rules that require goods to be as described, fit for their purpose and free from defects, backed by a legal guarantee that typically lasts a number of years depending on the country. Yet the practical path to a refund, repair or replacement is full of obstacles: sellers dispute the defect, blame the buyer, or point to a manufacturer who is slow to respond. When a defect causes real damage — an electrical fire, an injury, a ruined project — the stakes rise sharply. We match you, free of charge, with a lawyer who specialises in defective product claims in the relevant country, so you know your rights and can enforce them effectively.


Why buyers get stuck

The seller’s script is always the same.
A lawyer changes the conversation.

From ‘you misused it’ to ‘contact the manufacturer’, the run-around is designed to wear you down.

01

Blame shifted onto you

Sellers routinely claim the buyer caused the fault through misuse or normal wear — a defence that often collapses once the product is properly examined and the relevant guarantee rules are applied.

02

Passed to the manufacturer

Being told to ‘contact the manufacturer’ is common, yet in many countries the seller remains responsible for putting the defect right, and a lawyer can confirm who is actually liable.

03

Recall notices and ignored warnings

When a product has been recalled or a safety warning issued, buyers often miss the fact that this strengthens their position — and that a claim may still be open for harm already caused.


What you get

A defective products lawyer who gets the remedy you’re owed

We only match you with lawyers who regularly handle faulty-goods and defective-product claims in the relevant country.

Assessment of the defect

Your lawyer reviews what went wrong and how the relevant consumer law applies, telling you clearly whether you are entitled to a refund, repair, replacement or a price reduction.

Who is responsible, confirmed

Rather than letting you bounce between seller and maker, your lawyer determines who is legally liable under local rules and directs the claim at the correct party.

Compensation for the damage

Where the defect caused injury or financial loss, your lawyer calculates the full value of what you are owed — beyond a simple refund of the purchase price.

A claim that gets results

Your lawyer drafts the formal demand, negotiates with the seller or insurer, and escalates through the appropriate dispute body or court if they still refuse to resolve it.


Coverage

Defective products lawyers across Europe

Consumer guarantees and limitation periods are set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who works with the rules of the country where you bought the item or where the harm occurred. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:

SpainPortugalGermanyFranceItalyNetherlandsBelgiumIrelandAustriaPolandGreeceSweden+ more EU / EEA countries

Frequently asked

Defective products — common questions

What counts as a defective product?

A product is generally considered defective if it fails to work as it should, breaks prematurely, does not match its description, or is unsafe in normal use. The exact test varies by country, but most consumers are protected by a legal guarantee in addition to any commercial warranty offered by the seller.

How long do I have to report a defective product?

The time limit depends on the country and the type of defect, but many EU countries give consumers a legal guarantee period of around two years, with some allowing longer. It is best to report a defect as soon as you notice it, as delays can weaken your position.

Can I get a refund or only a repair?

In most countries the law sets a hierarchy of remedies, typically starting with repair or replacement, with a refund or price reduction available if those fail or are not provided within a reasonable time. A defective products lawyer can confirm what applies in your specific case.

The seller says I misused it — what now?

Misuse is a common defence, but the burden often rests on the seller to show the defect was caused by you rather than by the product itself. If you have preserved the item and any documentation, a lawyer can assess whether this defence actually holds up.

What if the product was recalled after I bought it?

A recall or safety notice is often strong evidence of a defect and can support a claim for a refund or for harm already suffered. Keep any recall correspondence and contact a lawyer to understand how it affects your position.

Do I need to keep the receipt to claim?

A receipt or other proof of purchase is helpful, but not always essential — bank statements, order confirmations or warranty cards can also establish when and where you bought the item. A lawyer can advise what evidence will be needed in your case.


Free case review

A faulty product shouldn’t be the end of the story

Tell us what went wrong and we’ll connect you with a defective products lawyer in the relevant country who can assess your case — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.