Product Liability

Product liability cases typically fall into one of the following three categories:

  • Manufacturing Defect – If part of a product is cracked or bent during the manufacturing process, it could cause the product not to work properly and may result in injury.
  • Design Defect – Products with design defects can often perform their intended function. However, safety devices or other components may be missing from the product, which could result in injury.
  • Inadequate Warning Label – If a product was sold to a customer without a proper label informing the customer of its hazards or side effects, injury could result.

There are many types of product liability cases that an individual can encounter.

Defective And Dangerous Products

Thousands of products receive approval to go on the market each year. Unfortunately, some of these products are later found to be unsafe. Products such as toys, appliances, electronics, and faulty automobile components such as seatbelts, tires, and airbags have been found to be dangerous or defective. The manufacturer, seller, or provider of a product may be held liable for injuries or damages resulting from the defect.

Dangerous Drugs

Medications should be tested and determined safe before going on the market. However, some improperly tested drugs have gained FDA clearance, endangering many lives as a result. Mistakes can also be made during the manufacturing process, which may lead to contamination of the drug and cause serious injury to those who consume them. Manufacturers of dangerous drugs can be held liable for injuries or death that result from the use of their product.

Pharmaceutical Products

A number of pharmaceutical products have been found defective or more dangerous than originally believed. Dangerous pharmaceutical products can cause adverse reactions and endanger the health of individuals who use them.

Medical Devices

Medical devices including breast implants, pacemakers, and knee replacements all need to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health before they are released on the market.

Although these products should be properly tested before receiving approval, some products are found to be defective after they have gained clearance. Such devices may cause suffering, injuries, and even death.

Consumer Goods

Most people rarely consider the safety of everyday consumer goods such as tools, appliances, and other household products. However, design and manufacturing defects can make these items dangerous or even deadly.

Although manufacturers are required to meet safety standards outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, hundreds of products are recalled each year due to concerns over faulty parts and other safety issues. If you have been injured using a consumer product, you may have the right to take legal action.

Industrial Machinery

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several health and safety standards in place to ensure that work environments throughout the United States are safe. OSHA requires that all industrial machinery meet specific safety regulations and technical requirements before being used in the workplace.

Unfortunately, machinery with manufacturing defects or inadequate warning labels may slip through the cracks and can lead to serious injuries or even death. Individuals who have been injured in the workplace may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and loss of wages, as well as pain and suffering.

We Can Help

If you have sustained an injury or a loved one has died as a result of a dangerous or defective product, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses and loss of wages, as well as pain and suffering.

Since there are deadlines for filing a claim for product liability, it is crucial that you contact an experienced product liability attorney as soon as possible so as not to inadvertently jeopardize your rights.