Product Liability

According to Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics, defective products are responsible for approximately three million injuries and at least 20,000 deaths every year in the United States. Fortunately, product liability laws allow consumers to hold manufacturers or sellers of defective or unsafe products legally liable for injuries sustained as a result. Defective or poorly designed machinery, tools, motor vehicles and recreational equipment as well as dangerous pharmaceuticals all fall under product liability.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as the result of a defective product or pharmaceutical drug, you may be entitled to receive compensation from those responsible for your injuries, including the designer, manufacturer and/or distributor of the product. A qualified product liability attorney at Williams & Brown can evaluate your case FREE of charge and discuss your litigation options with you. Please contact us today.

What is a Defective Product?

A defective product is primarily characterized by any or all of the following:

• Design defect—a flaw in the product’s theoretical design. This type of defect is usually identified prior to manufacturing. However, in cases where it is not and a person suffers harm as a result, he/she may be entitled to file a product liability claim.
• Manufacturing defect—a defect that occurs during the manufacturing process. These types of defects may not affect all products in the manufacturing lot.
• Marketing defect—"occurs when the manufacturer fails to provide adequate safety information regarding the product and its risks or else intentionally misrepresents this information. This is usually the case with harmful drugs (Vioxx, for example).

Product Liability & Your Rights

The obligation of a manufacturer is to make a safe product—including the duty to design, manufacture, inspect, and label a product appropriately. Successful product liability litigation sends a clear message to the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industry about accountability and consumer safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured or has fallen ill due to what you believe is a defective product or drug, do not delay in seeking immediate medical attention, as prompt diagnosis and treatment may help to avoid irreparable damage. It is also important to take immediate legal action, as restrictive statutes of limitations can prevent you from collecting the compensation to which you are entitled.

Depending upon the particular circumstances of your case, compensation for a defective product or drug can include coverage for medical expenses, lost income such as wages, bonuses, overtime pay and promotional pay, and loss of estimated future income that has been compromised as the result of your injuries. For more information, contact a product liability attorney at Williams & Brown who is knowledgeable and experienced in this area of law and will fight to protect your legal rights.