When you purchase a product at a store, you assume it is safe for use and will function as advertised. Product designers and manufacturers have a legal responsibility to the public to ensure that products sold to consumers will not cause harm if used properly. Unfortunately, due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn, consumers may suffer serious injuries that negatively impact their lives. Injured individuals often wonder what parties may be liable for their damages in such cases. To determine whether you are entitled to file a product liability claim, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of an adept Middlesex County Product Liability Attorney who can help you fight for the just compensation you deserve. Please continue reading to learn whether you can take legal action against a manufacturer for injuries caused by a defective product.
Can the manufacturer of a defective product be held liable for my injuries?
While some injuries may be caused by the negligence of the user of a product, others constitute a product liability claim. Sadly, product defects can happen to any product. Establishing the liable party can be challenging when injured by a defective product. However, it is a vital part of a product liability case as you must prove that the at-fault parties’ negligence directly caused you to suffer your injuries and damages. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, your injuries may have been caused as a result of one of the following:
- Design flaws: A design defect occurs when the product is unreasonably dangerous despite being manufactured properly. Essentially, the individual that designed the physical product was negligent in ensuring the product was safe for consumer use.
- Manufacturing defects: A manufacturing defect occurs when there is an error during the actual creation of the physical product. Essentially, this error causes the product to malfunction and not conform to its intended design, making it unreasonably unsafe.
- Failure to warn: Failure to warn occurs when a company fails to display the proper warning signage on the product warning consumers of the dangers of misusing a product.
Therefore, a manufacturer may be liable if a product malfunctions due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect that makes it unreasonably dangerous to a user.
What should I do after an injury?
If a defective product has injured you, it is vital to hold onto the product as it is a critical piece of evidence that can be used to prove a manufacturer’s negligence. As mentioned above, you must fulfill the burden of proof before you can collect compensation for your damages. This is often a difficult task as it requires significant evidence. However, a seasoned attorney can aid you in collecting evidence, which may include capturing pictures of the faulty product, expert witness statements, medical records, and documentation of expenses and damages incurred due to the defective product.
If a defective product has caused you serious injuries, you may be unsure how to proceed. Don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Contact a determined attorney from the legal team at Stathis & Leonardis who can help you fight for the rightful compensation to which you may be entitled.
