Defective products pose serious risks to consumers, often leading to significant injuries or even death. From faulty household appliances to dangerous vehicle parts and unsafe medical devices, products that fail to function as intended can cause harm to those who use them. When a product is defective or unreasonably dangerous, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held legally responsible for the injuries caused. Understanding your rights and the steps you can take if you’ve been injured by a defective product is essential in pursuing a product liability claim.
Common Types of Product Defects
Product defects generally fall into three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects (failure to warn). Design defects occur when the product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even if it is manufactured correctly. For example, a car with a design flaw that makes it prone to rolling over is considered defective by design. Even if every car was built perfectly according to the design, the flaw still poses a danger to consumers.
Manufacturing defects occur when a product is designed correctly but something goes wrong during the production process, making the product unsafe. This could be a faulty part in a piece of machinery, a contaminated batch of food, or an improperly assembled medical device. In these cases, the defect affects only some of the products produced, but the consequences can still be severe for those who purchase the defective items.
Marketing defects involve the failure to provide adequate instructions, warnings, or labeling regarding the potential risks of a product. This is especially common with medications, where drug manufacturers fail to warn consumers of possible side effects. When a company fails to warn users about the risks associated with using their product, they may be liable for injuries resulting from that failure.
How Defective Products Cause Injuries
Defective products can cause a wide range of injuries depending on the type of product and how it is used. For example, defective automobile parts such as faulty brakes, airbags, or tires can lead to serious car accidents, resulting in head injuries, broken bones, or even death. Defective household appliances like heaters or electrical equipment can cause fires or electrical shocks, leading to burns or traumatic injuries. Unsafe children’s toys or products can expose kids to choking hazards, toxic materials, or other dangers.
Medical devices and drugs are particularly dangerous when defective. Faulty medical implants or devices such as hip replacements or pacemakers can result in internal injuries, infections, and the need for additional surgeries. Defective medications can cause adverse side effects, worsening a patient’s condition or causing life-threatening complications. In all of these cases, the consumer has the right to pursue compensation for injuries caused by a defective product.
Proving Liability in Product Defect Cases
Proving liability in a product defect case involves showing that the product was defective, that the defect directly caused your injuries, and that you were using the product as intended. It’s important to keep any evidence related to the defective product, including the product itself, any packaging, and instructions. Documentation of your injuries, such as medical records, can also help strengthen your case.
In product liability cases, there are several potential parties that can be held responsible, including the manufacturer, the distributor, and the retailer. Each of these entities has a legal duty to ensure that the products they produce and sell are safe for consumers to use. A thorough investigation of the product’s design, manufacturing process, and distribution will help determine where the defect occurred and who is responsible for the injuries.
Because product liability cases can involve complex technical details, it is often necessary to work with experts who can testify about the defect and how it caused the injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney will work with these experts and gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Seeking Compensation for Defective Product Injuries
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Product liability laws are designed to protect consumers and hold companies accountable for putting dangerous products on the market. However, large manufacturers often have powerful legal teams that will work to deny responsibility or minimize your claim.
This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced product liability attorney on your side. At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we have successfully represented clients in cases involving defective products and are committed to holding negligent companies accountable. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights after being injured by a defective product. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.