When you purchase a product, you expect it to be safe when used as intended. Whether it is a household appliance, vehicle component, medical device, or piece of equipment, manufacturers have a responsibility to create products that do not put consumers at unnecessary risk. Unfortunately, some products make it to the market with defects that can cause serious injuries.
When a person is harmed by a defective product, they may have the right to seek compensation through a product liability claim.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility manufacturers, distributors, and sellers may have when a product causes injury or harm due to a defect. These cases can involve a wide range of products, from everyday consumer goods to complex machinery and industrial equipment.
Types of Defective Products
Defective products typically fall into three main categories:
Design Defects: A design defect occurs when there is a problem with the product’s original design. Even if the product is manufactured correctly, the design itself may make it unsafe for consumers.
Examples:
- A vehicle designed without adequate safety features to help prevent serious injuries
- A power tool designed without proper guards or safety mechanisms
- A household product designed in a way that creates a foreseeable risk of burns, falls, or other injuries
Manufacturing Defects: A manufacturing defect happens when something goes wrong during the production process. The product’s intended design may be safe, but an error in manufacturing causes certain units to become dangerous.
Examples:
- A vehicle part that is improperly installed during assembly
- A medical device contaminated during production
- Industrial equipment made with faulty materials that fails during use
Failure to Warn or Provide Proper Instructions: Companies also have a responsibility to provide adequate warnings and instructions for products that may pose risks. If a product requires specific safety precautions and the manufacturer fails to communicate those risks, injuries may occur.
Examples:
- A medication without warnings about serious side effects or interactions
- A chemical product sold without proper handling instructions
- Equipment that lacks warnings about potential hazards
Common Injuries Caused by Defective Products
Defective products can lead to a variety of serious injuries, including:
- Burns and fires caused by faulty equipment or electronics
- Traumatic brain injuries from unsafe products
- Broken bones and fractures
- Lacerations and crush injuries
- Chemical exposure injuries
- Long-term disabilities
In some cases, defective products can result in life-changing injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured by a Defective Product?
If you believe a defective product caused your injury, consider taking these steps:
- Seek medical attention. Your health and safety should always come first.
- Preserve the product. Do not throw away or alter the product that caused your injury.
- Document what happened. Take photos, save receipts, and keep records related to your injury.
- Speak with an experienced attorney. Product liability cases can be complex and may require detailed investigation and evidence.
Holding Companies Accountable for Unsafe Products
Companies involved in designing, manufacturing, distributing, and selling products have a responsibility to help ensure those products are safe. When they fail to meet that responsibility, injured individuals may face medical expenses, lost wages, and lasting consequences.
Depending on the circumstances, those responsible may include:
- Manufacturers responsible for designing and producing the product
- Product designers responsible for creating a safe product design
- Distributors involved in bringing products to the marketplace
- Retailers who sell defective products to consumers
- Other companies involved in the supply chain or product development process
Determining who may be liable often requires a detailed investigation into how a product was designed, manufactured, distributed, and used. These cases can involve reviewing product records, safety standards, expert evaluations, and other evidence to determine what went wrong and who was responsible.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, the attorneys at Jack Bailey Law Corporation can help you understand your legal options and determine the best path forward.
Contact Jack Bailey Law Corporation today to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights.
