When you purchase an item or a service, in most cases, it is covered by a warranty or a guarantee that promises that the item will work as it is supposed to for a period of time after purchase. In some instances, these warranties are specifically noted in documentation that comes inside a product's packaging; these are known as "express" warranties. In other cases, there is an "implied" warranty associated with a product or service that has been purchased. To determine whether either of these types of warranties may apply in your situation, you should seek out the advice of a consumer protection lawyer. He or she can help you determine whether a warranty exist and explore alternatives for financial compensation in the case.