When you buy a product, it’s supposed to be safe. After all, the manufacturer was supposed to take precautions to make sure that the product was safe to use. Sometimes, a product has unintended consequences or safety risks. This is what happens when a product is defective.
In such cases, a product manufacturer can be held liable for injuries caused by the product. This is also known as product liability law. It means that the manufacturer is legally liable for the injuries that the product causes. If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective product, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you are entitled to. This article will provide an overview of product liability law and what to do if you or a loved one is a victim.
What is Product Liability?
Product liability law states that manufacturers of products are responsible for injuries caused by their defective products. The law presumes that products are safe and have been tested. If a manufacturer or importer of a product can be proven to be negligent, they can be held liable for injuries caused by their product.
When is a Product Defective?
A product can be considered defective if it causes injuries while in normal use. This is different from defects, which are structural issues with the product. Normal use means that a product is intended to perform as described and is fit for its intended use.
This includes the labeling of the product. If the product is labeled as “for internal use only” and you use it to open a letter, you have not used the product in a normal way and there could not be a claim against the manufacturer if using it in this manner caused an injury.
How Much in Damages Can a Product Liability Case Request?
In most product liability cases, the victim is awarded damages to compensate them for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. A Savannah product liability lawyer will need to demonstrate how the defective product caused you harm. The damages awarded in a given case depend on several factors, including the:
- Type of injury
- Location of the injury
- Evidence of negligence
Who is Liable for Injuries Caused by a Defective Product?
The manufacturer of the product is liable for any injuries caused by a defective product. This is the company that made the product or, in some cases, imported a product. In some cases, the company that marketed the product can be held liable. Your Savannah product liability attorney can work with you to determine your next steps and which party should be held accountable.
Types of Product Liability Claims
There are generally three types of product liability claims:
- Defective manufacturing – this occurs when there is a defect or problem when the product was made
- Defective design – this happens when the defect is in the design of the product and not how it was manufactured
- Failure to provide warnings and usage instructions – sometimes referred to as a failure to warn, products must have instructions and warnings to prevent accidents from occurring from the product
How to Get Product Liability Compensation
To file a product liability claim, you will need to prepare a lawsuit. You will need to provide the court with information such as the product’s ingredients or parts, the quantity sold, the damages caused, and the price charged. You can file a product liability claim against any person or company, including the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the product. If you buy the product at a store, the owner of the store might also be held responsible if the product is defective.
Contact a Savannah Product Liability Lawyer Today
If you have been injured by a defective product, you may be able to hold the company or designer responsible for your injuries. A successful lawsuit can result in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and even financial damages. A Savannah product liability attorney can help you determine who is responsible for the faulty or defective products.
Product liability law says that manufacturers are responsible for making products that are safe for consumers to use. If a product injures you, you may be able to file a product liability claim. Phillips Carson & Phillips can help you. If you or a loved one has been injured by a product, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact us to schedule a consultation by calling (912) 232-0081 or using our online contact form.