In the business of manufacturing, it is crucial that practices are in place that can secure product safety for consumers. If you suffer an injury that was caused by a defective product, you can potentially seek compensation for damages.
In order to prove a product liability claim, is a complex process that requires a lot of thorough proof of the defect in the product. If you’re still wondering, “How do you prove a product liability claim?”
We recommend getting a product liability attorney to investigate your case. Pepper & Odom offers free consultations for people just like you that find themselves in these types of situations.
Some of the injuries resulting from defective products can take a heavy physical, financial and emotional toll on you and your family.
Did you know?
At Pepper & Odom, P.C., our product liability attorneys have years of experience representing clients who have sustained an injury from defective products and can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What is a product liability claim?
So, you may be wondering, “What is product liability?” Essentially, product liability is a principle for plaintiffs to have the right to seek restitution for their experience with a defective product.
When a product has an unexpected defect or danger, a product liability claim holds manufacturers, distributors and sellers liable for any injuries or illnesses caused by that product. There are three different types of product liability claims, which are typically based on design defects, manufacturing defects, or warning and labeling defects.
Our skilled product liability attorneys can help you understand the complexities of product liability law and fight for your rights to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Did you know?
Trying to build a case on your own can have less favorable results than if you were to have the guidance of an experienced injury attorney.
Types of product liability
- Design defects: A product that is considered “unreasonably dangerous” due to its design if it does not perform safely when used as intended; or when the risk of danger in the design surpasses the benefits. For example, a top-heavy SUV that poses a higher risk of rollover or a vehicle that’s crushed due to improper roof supports fall under defectively designed products.
- Manufacturing defects: A manufacturing defect results from something that happens during the manufacturing process that makes a product unsafe, even when used properly. Types of manufacturing defects include faulty machinery, defective auto parts, airplane parts, faulty wiring, and contaminated food or beverages.
- Warning and labeling defects: Manufacturers and suppliers of products are legally required to place clear and complete warnings of dangers that may not be immediately apparent to the consumer. Warning defects include unclear or incorrect instructions, insufficient warnings about potential risks of using a product, or no warning label at all.
Prescription medications must include adequate warnings about potential risks and side effects that may occur while in use. If you have taken a medication and experienced adverse side effects that were not disclosed by the pharmaceutical company, it is possible to be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
For an authentic example, the motor vehicle company General Motors (GM) manufactured vehicles with defective ignition switches throughout the years of 2000 to 2004. This faulty ignition would fail while driving, causing the engine to turn off.
Unfortunately, this would cause the airbags to be disabled, keeping them from deploying. Consequently, GM would agree on a settlement of over $900 million dollars for deaths and injuries regarding the product liability claims. According to multiple news outlets, in 2014 over 30 million vehicles across the globe were recalled by GM.
More Resources
Check out other resources about this topic below.
