General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: So Now We Know [View all]ShazzieB
(16,273 posts)If you are a manufacturer of one of these products, you add these warnings to "CYA" in case some really stupid person does a really stupid thing and then tries to sue you for the resulting damage, injury, etc.
For example, let's say Dummy McStupidface decides to iron his trousers while wearing them. He sets his trousers on fire and gives himself severe burns in the process, whereupon he decides to sue you, the manufacturer of the iron, for pain and suffering, payment of his medical bills, and a new pair of pants. Your lawyer points to the warning label and says, "Hey, Mr. McStupidface was warned. My client is not responsible for damage that was done because he chose to ignore the warning." The judge agrees and rules that you are not liable for expenses occurred due to Mr. McStupidface doing a really stupid thing.
Some of those warnings do seem painfully obvious, and some of them warn against actions that seem extremely unlikely, but they are there Just. In. Case. Because it doesn't pay to underestimate the ability of humans to be very, very stupid
*CYA = cover your ass