Product Defects and Liability

Faulty Products

No matter how conscientious we are as consumers, we sometimes buy products that just do not work out. In fact, defective products can cause problems in the lives of many Americans which may result in injury or death.

This can happen in everyday life with cars, electric blankets, hot water heaters, child car seats and other high-use products. We put our trust in companies to produce high-quality products that enhance our lives, not damage or take them away.

Manufacturers have a duty to adequately and reasonably produce and inspect the products they put out in the market. When they cut corners or fail to recall products in time, they can be held liable for negligence. Sellers of products may be held responsible for personal or property damage as well under certain circumstances. Lawsuits that result from injuries work to compensate those who have been injured or whose property has been damaged as well as put the company on notice that society requires a higher duty of operations.

The Product Liability Lawsuit

This type of lawsuit is an expensive suit. Experts must be hired who can testify regarding the product at issue and the requirements surrounding its development, manufacture and sale.

Have you purchased a product that harmed you or a loved one? A product liability suit can be beneficial as damage awards may be higher than other types of personal injury claims. In product liability cases, the median damages awards are generally around $300,000.

The Law Concerning Product Defects and Liability

The cause of action for products liability is based in negligence. The statute of limitations for this lawsuit is two years from the date of incident or injury.

Money Damages from Product Defects and Liability

Financial recovery can include past, present and future medical bills. Other potential areas of compensation, depending on the facts of the situation, are costs of property damage, mental pain and suffering damages, lost past and future wages, permanent impairment/disfigurement, punitive damages, wrongful death damages and loss of enjoyment of life.

“The best of wages will not compensate for excessively long working hours which undermine heath.”
Supreme Court Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis
Brandeis: The Personal History of an American Ideal