4 Things to Know About Defective Products and Product Liability Cases

Sponsored by DC Law

Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure their products are safe for consumers to use. Sadly, some manufacturers fail to uphold the mandated safety standards, leaving their customers with defective products likely to cause injuries and even death.

If you suffer injuries or lose someone you love due to a defective product, you may qualify to file a product liability claim against the party at fault.

Unfortunately, product liability laws are complex for most people to understand, forcing many to forfeit their right to pursue compensation. But worry not, as this article points out important things you need to know about defective products and product liability cases.

More Than One Party May Be Liable for Your Injuries

More than one party may be held liable for the damages suffered in a product liability accident. However, the specifics of your injury and the type of defect will determine whether to hold the manufacturer, designer, marketer, or supplier liable for a product liability claim.

For example, you may hold the designer liable if your injuries result from structurally unstable products, such as a table or chest of drawers that can topple over. Similarly, you may hold the manufacturer responsible if you suffer injuries due to a contaminated bottle of cough syrup or faulty airbag that lacks the proper deployment mechanism.

Regardless of who is at fault, you must prove there is an inherent error or flaw on their part, rendering the product unreasonably dangerous.

Product Liability Case Are Complex to Prove

Unlike in other forms of personal injury claims, you may not have enough evidence in a product liability case to prove the at-fault party’s negligence. For instance, it is impossible to prove the manufacturer’s carelessness while making a product, making it complicated to build a case.

However, you can consult with a skilled product liability lawyer to help you build a strong case. “Hiring a product liability lawyer helps you understand your legal options and navigate complications of a defective product case,” says attorney Dan Christensen of DC Law.

It’s Possible to Recover Punitive Damages

Product defects can cause different injuries such as fractures, amputations, wounds, burns, and others. The good news is that the victims can recover compensation for all medical expenses, lost wages, and any direct and indirect suffering caused by the injuries.

On top of that, you may be awarded punitive damages. These are damages awarded to punish the defendant for their misconduct, behavior, and carelessness.

However, these damages are not granted in every product liability lawsuit. In most cases, one will recover punitive damages if the defendant is found guilty of gross misconduct. The good news is that hiring a skilled product liability lawyer can help you include all types of damages you have suffered due to a defective product and increase the value of your claim.

Bottom Line

Defective products potentially threaten the lives of consumers. The manufacturers, marketers, designers, and other parties involved in the product’s distribution chain should comply with product safety standards to avoid causing harm to consumers when handling the products.

If you suffer injuries from product defects, you may be eligible to file a product liability claim and receive compensation from the at-fault party. However, it is vital to work with an attorney to help you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

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