our hand tool product liability

claim? Listening carefully to determine the extent of the problem is the first step, according to the Hand Tool Institute. Then take careful notes. dating and signing them.

Information a retailer should gather includes name and address of persons injured, name and address of the person who purchased the product involved, name and address of the person contacting him, address where the injury occurred, date and approximate time the injury occurred, description of the product which caused injury, a detailed description of the activity when injury occurred and the nature of the injury. If at all possible, he should obtain the tool involved.

After collecting all information pertinent to the accident, the retailer should contact his insurance company immediately.

It is important that a retailer or his employees not talk about the law or volunteer any information such as "Well, I don't wonder that you had a

Story at a Glance

Ways to reduce chances of hand tool product liability law suits. spotting and handling possible liability claims cooperating with your insurance company.

problem, we've had nothing but trouble with that tool." Retailers and their employees should be courteous, sympathetic and impartial, while asking questions about how the product was used and if precautions and safety rules were observed.

Insurance company representatives should take over at this point. The retailer and his employees will need to cooperate fully with them. The naming of one person to coordinate possible liability problems prior to any such incidents is advisable.

(Retailers seeking more information on hand tool safety product liabiliyt should contact the Hand Tools Institute, 25 N. Broadway, Tarrytown, N.Y. 10591, (914) 332-0040 - ed.)