As consumers, we place our trust in the products we purchase, assuming they are safe for their intended use. However, sometimes products can be defective, leading to potential harm or injury. Understanding the most common types of product liability suits is essential in knowing your rights and ensuring your safety. This blog aims to provide consumers with insights into prevalent product liability cases, their causes, and what actions individuals can take if affected.
1. Defective Products
Product defects can occur in various forms, including:
- Design Defects: Flaws present in the initial design phase can make the product inherently unsafe, even before it's manufactured.
- Manufacturing Defects: Errors that occur during the manufacturing process lead to deviations from the intended design, rendering the product unsafe.
- Marketing Defects: Insufficient warnings, improper instructions, or inadequate labeling that fails to inform consumers about potential risks related to the product's use.
2. Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Defects
Claims against pharmaceutical and medical device companies often arise due to:
- Defective Medications: Such as drugs that cause unexpected side effects or severe complications.
- Faulty Medical Devices: Products like hip replacements, pacemakers, or implants that fail or cause harm due to defects.
3. Defective Vehicles & Auto Parts
Defective vehicles or automotive parts can lead to accidents and injuries such as:
- Faulty Airbags: Airbags that fail to deploy or deploy unexpectedly can cause severe injuries in accidents.
- Tire Blowouts: Defective tires can cause sudden blowouts, leading to accidents.
4. Children's Products
Products designed for children might be subject to product liability claims including:
- Toys: Small parts that pose choking hazards or toxic materials.
- Child Car Seats: Failures or defects that risk a child's safety during an accident.
5. Household Products & Appliances
Appliances and household products might also cause injuries like:
- Electrical Devices: Faulty wiring leading to fires or electrocution.
- Household Chemicals: Improper labeling or hazardous ingredients causing harm.
6. Food & Beverage Products
Contaminated or unsafe food and beverages can result in product liability claims including:
- Food Poisoning: Due to contamination or mishandling of food products.
- Allergen Labeling: Failure to disclose allergens leading to allergic reactions.
Consumer Rights & Legal Options
If you have suffered harm due to a defective product, there are legal remedies available. Consider looking into:
- Product Recall & Reporting: If you suspect a product is defective, report it to the manufacturer or relevant authority and look for recalls.
- Consultation with Legal Professionals: Seek advice from an attorney experienced in product liability cases. They can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If you've suffered harm or injury due to a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a product liability lawsuit.
Steps to Take if You're Injured
Federal and state laws aim to protect consumers and hold manufacturers accountable for producing safe products. Understanding these laws can empower you as a consumer in seeking justice. In the meantime, if you have been injured by a defective product, make sure you:
- Seek medical attention and keep records of all treatments and related expenses.
- Preserve the product and any related evidence, such as packaging, receipts, or photos of the product in its defective state.
- Document the circumstances of the incident and any resulting injuries.
Kershaw Talley Barlow Is Here to Protect The Rights of Consumers
As a consumer, understanding the most common product liability suits and your rights in the event of a defective product is crucial for your safety and well-being. If you've been harmed due to a defective product, seeking legal guidance and taking appropriate steps can help ensure accountability and fair compensation for the injuries or losses you've experienced.
Fortunately, at Kershaw Talley Barlow, our attorneys have extensive experience when it comes to dealing with product liability claims. From defective medical devices to faulty electronic devices, we proudly represent clients in class action lawsuits and mass tort cases, and are always ready to go above and beyond to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today, and discover what a skilled product liability lawyer can do for you.
Click here to request a consultation online or give us a call at (916) 520-6639.