Imagine you buy a new toy for your child, a medication to relieve your pain, or a car to get you from one location to another safely. You believe that these items will do their job and keep you safe. But what happens when a product does not work right and hurts someone?
The law on product liability steps in at this point. Contact CLS Injury Law to protect your rights if you or someone you know has been hurt by an unsafe product.
What is product liability?
Product liability is a legal idea that says companies that make, sell, or distribute faulty goods are responsible for the harm they cause. It basically means that if you sell a bad or dangerous product, you can be held responsible for any harm it causes.
If someone gets hurt because of a product that was not planned well, was not made right, or did not come with enough warnings, the company that made, sold, or distributed it can be sued. In this way, businesses are held responsible for making sure their goods are safe.
Types of defects in product liability.
- Defect in the manufacturing.
This occurs when a mistake is made during the manufacturing process, leading to a product that is not precisely what was planned. One example is a toy that might have a small, sharp piece that can come off and cause choking.
- Design flaw.
This happens when the whole design of the item is dangerous. A drug with a dose that is too high for most people is an example of this.
- Not giving a warning.
This happens when the company that makes a product does not give clear directions or tips about how to use it safely or does not tell of any possible risks that come with using the product. Something like a weed killer might not say that it is dangerous if kids or pets eat it.
Who can be held liable?
Product liability means that everyone involved in the delivery of the product is responsible. This includes the manufacturer, the distributor, and the store that sells the product.
Most of the time, the manufacturer is responsible because they created and made the product. Products that do not work right may also be the fault of distributors like suppliers or dealer networks.
It is important to remember that responsibility can go beyond these people. For instance, if a part maker sends a broken part that is used in the final product, that part maker could also be held responsible. In the end, the parties involved in a case of product liability will rest on the specifics of the case.
How can consumers seek compensation?
If you were hurt by a faulty product, you might be able to file a product liability case to get money for your injuries. Some types of damages are:
- Medical bills: This includes visits to the doctor, stays in the hospital, medicines, and other medical care connected to your accident.
- Lost wages: If your accident keeps you from working, you can get money to make up for the money you lost.
- Pain and suffering: This includes money to pay for the physical and mental pain your accident caused.
- Damage to property: If the faulty item damaged your property, you can also ask for pay to fix or replace it.
Get help from a lawyer.
Product liability cases can be hard to understand, so it is important to find a lawyer who has worked in this area of law before. A skilled lawyer can help you look into your case, gather proof, and talk to the maker or someone else responsible for a settlement.
Product liability law is there to keep people safe from harmful goods. People who have been hurt by a faulty product do not have to suffer alone. You might be able to get money to make up for the harm you have suffered. So do not suffer in silence, and schedule an appointment with a lawyer today.
