Injuries due to product malfunction can happen more than we would like. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2012 report on injuries and deaths associated with nursery products among children younger than age five, 77,900 children were injured due to nursery products. Sometimes two or more products were associated with those injuries.
Product liability can come in many different shapes and forms. If your hair dryer blows up while styling your hair, if your house is burned down due to a space heater or if your child sustains permanent damage due to an unsafe crib, you are entitled to sue for compensation. The statistics for product injuries are extremely high and these companies need to be held accountable for their consumers injuries.
A case can be made against a product manufacturer for up to 2 years after an incident has occurred in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You are entitled to file a product liability claim even if the product’s company is no longer in business. You need to know your rights and you need to find the right lawyer who can handle a complicated product injury case. Rosenberg Law, Personal Injury Law — are product liability, professional lawyers, who will get you what you deserve. Tell us about your case today.
Injuries Caused by Product Malfunctions: Understanding Your Rights
Every day, consumers rely on a wide range of products, from household appliances to automobiles, medical devices, and electronics. While manufacturers are legally obligated to ensure their products are safe, defects and malfunctions can and do occur. When a product fails to perform as intended, it can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and financial hardship. Understanding your legal rights in such situations is essential for protecting yourself and your family.
Types of Product Malfunctions
Product malfunctions can take many forms. Mechanical failures, electrical defects, design flaws, or improper labeling can all create dangerous conditions. For example, a car with faulty brakes, a kitchen appliance that overheats, or a medical device that fails to function properly can cause significant harm. In some cases, the product may work initially but fail under normal use, highlighting a latent defect that can be just as dangerous.
Legal Principles in Product Liability
Injuries resulting from product malfunctions are often addressed under product liability law, which holds manufacturers, distributors, or sellers responsible for defective or dangerous products. Legal claims may be based on three main theories: design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn. A design defect exists when a product is inherently unsafe, even if made correctly. A manufacturing defect occurs when a properly designed product is incorrectly manufactured. Failure to warn arises when a product lacks sufficient instructions or safety warnings.
Proving a Product Liability Case
To pursue compensation for injuries caused by a product malfunction, it’s important to demonstrate that the defect directly caused the harm. This typically involves collecting evidence such as the defective product itself, receipts, maintenance records, photographs, and medical documentation. Expert testimony may also be required to explain how the defect led to the injury. An experienced attorney can guide victims through this process, ensuring all necessary evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Compensation for Victims
Victims of product malfunctions may be entitled to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Acting promptly is crucial, as statutes of limitations can limit the time available to file a claim.
Product malfunctions can have serious and life-altering consequences. Holding manufacturers and sellers accountable not only helps victims recover financially but also encourages safer product design and practices. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney is the first step toward protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.
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