When a consumer buys a product from a company, they expect it to be safe and function the way it is intended to. Most of the time, this is true and there are no problems with products. However, sometimes defective products may be produced and sold by manufacturers. When this occurs, a product can malfunction and cause harm to a consumer using it. If a manufacturer is proved to be negligent in providing consumers with safe products, they can be held responsible for causing an injury. This is done through product liability. Individuals who were injured because of a defective product should contact an experienced attorney to assist their case.
What is Product Liability?
When a manufacturer creates a product, they are obligated to ensure they are safe for buyers to use. This obligation is called product liability. If a manufacturer does not provide a certain standard of care for consumers, product liability can hold them responsible for making and selling a defective product. This can happen simply due to a mistake or if a manufacturer cuts corners in creating a product and deviates from the usual protocol. This can cause great harm to the people that purchase them. This is sometimes seen with products such as children’s toys, household appliances, or motor vehicles.
Product liability laws also mandate manufacturers to provide consumers with a warning label on their product to instruct users on how to use it safely. This helps consumers avoid injury just as the manufacturer can avoid a lawsuit. Without a label, injuries can occur and the manufacturer could be held responsible for negligence. If a person is injured as a result of a faulty product, they may wish to hold the manufacturer accountable.
Types of Cases
There are several ways an individual may become injured due to a faulty product. There are three different types of defect cases that are seen in court:
- Design defect: When a product’s design causes injuries because the designer did not consider a consumer’s safety when designing it. In order to have a successful case, the injured must prove a safer and economically feasible alternative design could have been used.
- Manufacturer defect: If a manufacturer does not follow protocol when creating a product, it may have defects that can harm a consumer. In order to have a successful case, the injured must prove that the protocol was not followed when creating the product.
- Failure to warn: If a company does not provide warning labels for products that can cause injuries if used improperly. It is important not to throw out a defective product because it can be used as evidence in court.
Compensation
If an individual becomes injured as a result of a defective product, they may be eligible to receive financial compensation for their injuries. When injured people require medical attention, they often find themselves overwhelmed by bills and other costs. If a manufacturer is responsible for these injuries, they may owe the individual compensation to cover these payments.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured as a result of a defective product and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.
