Generally, the products we buy are meant to enhance our lives. Unfortunately, some products can cause more harm than good. If you have been injured by a product, you may have a product liability case. Read on to learn more.
Recovering compensation after a defective product accident:
If you can prove that your injury was a direct result of another party’s negligence, you will most likely be entitled to recover compensation. When it comes to a product liability case, you will have to provide proof that one of the following occurred to cause your accident:
- Negligent design: The product was not designed with safety in mind and someone was injured as a result.
- Negligent manufacturing: The manufacturer deviated from the original blueprints, either intentionally or unintentionally, causing the product to become unsafe.
- Failure to warn: A company fails to warn consumers about a potential danger associated with using a product incorrectly, and someone is injured as a result.
Fulfilling the burden of proof:
It is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to provide proof of negligence. Some important steps to take include:
- Call 911: It is important to call the police. They can send an ambulance to the scene, file an accident report, and more.
- Seek medical attention: It is important to go to the hospital, even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured. This is because it is possible to sustain a serious injury without realizing it. Additionally, this can provide you with important proof of the origin and extent of your injuries.
- Keep the product: Your first instinct may be to get rid of the product. While that is a reasonable reaction, it is important that you keep the product, as it will be necessary when it comes to determining fault.
- Obtain witness contacts: If anyone saw the accident occur, they may be able to corroborate your version of events.
- Work with an attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to obtain further evidence, such as police reports and security camera footage.
- File your claim on time: There is a deadline known as a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within two years will likely mean losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
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If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please contact our firm today.