As your product liability attorney, we handle products liability cases for clients that are injured as a result of a product design. A case that comes to mind in this regard is an individual was working as a mechanic in a garage, on a car that was up on a lift. He was working underneath the car when the car fell off the lift, crushing him, with what is called a book fracture of the pelvis.
The case was complex because the lift had been manufactured for many many years, and the manufacturer contended that it was manufactured safely. Through some expert intervention we were able to discern that there was a $2.50 device that could have been placed on the lift that would have prevented the lift from shifting and thereby causing the injury. The case resulted in a substantial settlement before going to trial, and the 30-year-old client, and his two kids were given some financial security for the future. For more information about product liability cases, please visit our product liability pages to learn more.
When is a product liability attorney needed?
Product liability law cases arise when a consumer is injured or harmed by a defective or unsafe product. These cases are a branch of personal injury law and are designed to hold manufacturers, distributors, or retailers responsible for releasing dangerous products into the marketplace. Unlike other types of personal injury claims that require proving negligence, many product liability cases operate under the principle of strict liability. This means the injured party doesn’t need to prove that the manufacturer was careless—only that the product was defective and caused harm when used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way.
There are generally three main types of product defects that can lead to liability: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects. A design defect exists when the product is inherently dangerous due to its structure or blueprint, even if it’s manufactured perfectly. Manufacturing defects occur when the product design is safe, but errors in the production process make individual units hazardous. Marketing defects involve issues such as inadequate warnings, improper labeling, or failure to provide clear instructions on safe use. Each of these categories can form the basis of a legal claim depending on the nature of the injury and how the product failed.
Product liability cases often involve a wide range of products, including pharmaceuticals, automobiles, household appliances, toys, tools, and food items. A well-known example is the litigation against car companies for airbags that failed to deploy or deployed explosively, causing injury or death. Another example involves dangerous drugs or medical devices that were marketed aggressively but later found to have serious side effects. These cases not only help injured consumers seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but they also push companies to prioritize safety and better testing.
One of the challenges in product liability cases is proving the product was defective at the time it left the manufacturer’s control and that the defect directly caused the injury. This often requires expert testimony, detailed product testing, and extensive documentation. Because manufacturers typically have vast resources and legal teams to defend against claims, it’s important for injured parties to work with experienced attorneys who understand how to build a strong, evidence-based case. Additionally, product liability lawsuits may involve class actions when many consumers are harmed by the same defect.
Ultimately, product liability law serves a critical role in consumer protection by holding companies accountable for unsafe products and encouraging better practices in design, manufacturing, and marketing. These cases not only provide justice for those harmed but also help create safer standards across industries. By pursuing legal action, injured individuals contribute to a system that demands responsibility and transparency from corporations, ensuring that public safety remains a top priority in product development and distribution. To see more information about product liability please visit this section on the American Legislative Exhange Council.
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