Product Liability: Holding Manufacturers Accountable for Defective Products

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Product liability personal injury law claims hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible for distributing dangerous or defective products. When defective products cause injuries, anyone who has been harmed may have the legal right to seek compensation.

Understanding Product Liability

Product liability cases involve one or more of the following kinds of product defects:

Design Defects

When a product’s design is inherently dangerous or flawed, it is unsafe for its intended use. If these products are still sold and distributed then they can cause harm to consumers. Design defects affect all units of a product and can potentially harm anyone who uses them. 

Manufacturing Defects

Manufacturing defects happen during the production or assembly of a product. Manufacturing defects typically result in individual units being different from others. These defects will affect a limited number of products while the manufacturer fixes their errors. 

Failure to Warn or Provide Adequate Instructions

According to US law, manufacturers must provide clear warnings about any potential risks associated with their product’s use. If they fail to do so, or if their instructions are unclear, it can lead to injuries. 

Injury victims could be entitled to compensation when they’ve been injured and a faulty product or negligent company is responsible. 

Proving a Product Liability Claim

Professionals always recommend working with a personal injury lawyer when pursuing damages. 

To succeed in a product liability claim, the injured plaintiff needs to establish the following:

  • The product in question was defective in design, or manufacturing, or lacked adequate warnings and instructions.
  • The plaintiff suffered an injury or harm as a direct result of using the defective product.
  • At the time of the injury, the product was in substantially the same condition as when it left the manufacturer, and no alterations or misuse occurred.
  • The product was being used as intended by the manufacturer.
  • There is a direct link between the product’s defect and the plaintiff’s injury

Types of Product Liability Claims

Personal injury lawyers handle product liability cases that encompass a wide range of products and industries. Some common case examples include:

  • Defective automobiles
  • Pharmaceutical and medical device liability
  • Household appliances
  • Toys and children’s products
  • Construction defects in building materials or construction methods 

Injured Consumer Rights

Injured consumers have the right to hold manufacturers and suppliers accountable for defective products. If you or a loved one were injured due to a faulty product, consider taking the following steps:

  • Preserve evidence of the defective product, packaging, receipts, and documentation of the injury. 
  • Seek medical attention for your product defect-associated injuries 
  • Consult with an experienced attorney to assess the strengths and potential weaknesses of your legal claim
  • Maintain detailed records of your medical treatment, doctor’s appointments, prescriptions, injuries, and future rehabilitation recommendations 
  • Avoid discussing your case with the manufacturer or their insurance company without consulting your attorney. 

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How Product Liability Attorneys Can Help

Product liability often involves multiple parties, intricate legal regulations, and substantial financial resources. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide the following services to support your claim:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, expert opinions, and industry standards
  • Build a strong case on your behalf
  • Negotiate with the responsible parties
  • Aim to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
  • Litigate your claim if a settlement cannot be reached
  • Advocate for your rights in court

Entrusting your case to a skilled attorney allows you to focus on your recovery while they take care of your legal interests. 

Holding Manufacturers Accountable

Holding manufacturers accountable helps ensure consumer safety, promotes ethical business, provides compensation and redress, encourages product improvement, protects consumer rights, and builds trust and confidence in the marketplace. When manufacturers prioritize safety and quality, this benefits everyone.

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Michael P
Los Angeles based finance writer covering everything from crypto to the markets.

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