Some of the most common and frequently used products are also some of the most dangerous. Whether it is a malfunctioning kitchen appliance, a poorly designed children’s toy, a medical device that is unsafe for use, or a defective vehicle, the unfortunate truth is that hazards associated with a wide variety of products are not obvious to users until it is far too late. A West Palm Beach product liability lawyer will help you evaluate your case, understand your rights and options, and seek compensation from those responsible.

Searcy Denney is a full-service South Florida personal injury law firm whose attorneys help people and families injured by a wide range of harmful, defective, and malfunctioning products. 

Car Defects: A Common Claim for Our Our West Palm Beach Product Liability Attorneys

People spend a lot of time in their cars, whether it is for a family drive to the beach or sitting in traffic on the Florida Turnpike during a morning commute to work. For many, buying a car is one of the biggest purchases they will make. That is why it is frustrating when defects and other issues rear their ugly heads long after you have driven off the dealership lot.

Car defects come in all shapes and sizes, from relatively minor issues with the interior fabric to serious wiring and engine problems that could cause a vehicle to burst into flames. Some of the most common defects that our West Palm Beach product liability lawyer sees include:

• Faulty brake lights
• Malfunctioning seat belts
• Steering component flaws
• Fuel pump problems
• Suspension defects
• Windshield wipers that do not work
• Roofs that collapse during rollover accidents
• Broken backup cameras
• Defects that cause stalling
• Malfunctioning and exploding airbags

These and other defects pose a serious safety threat to drivers, passengers and everyone else on the road. They can be the cause of an accident and make injuries worse than they otherwise would be in the event of a crash.

The problem is that many defects go unnoticed until it is too late and they have already caused serious injuries or even death. Carmakers recall millions of vehicles around the globe per year, citing a wide range of defects, often for cars that are several years old by the time the recall is announced.

Defective Airbags are a Common Source of Product Liability Lawsuits

Take, for example, the worldwide recall of Takata airbags that have been ongoing for a decade. The world’s largest auto manufacturers have recalled tens of millions of Takata airbags because of a defect that could cause the safety devices to deploy and explode inappropriately, sending shards of metal, glass, and other material into the car without warning and injuring people inside.

But the recalls did not start until people had already died as a result of exploding airbags. Meanwhile, more deaths happened while airbags were being replaced. For instance, a Florida woman was killed in a 2017 accident after the airbag in her Honda Accord exploded and she was struck by shrapnel.

Car owners who are injured in accidents caused or made worse by vehicle defects have the right to seek compensation from the manufacturer. They can also seek to hold the manufacturer responsible for any injuries the accident causes to others in the crash, whether it is a passenger or someone in another car. Other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians can also seek money damages from a vehicle manufacturer for injuries caused by a defective vehicle or parts.

Swimming Pool and Equipment Defects in Florida

Swimming pool defects and malfunctioning equipment are a particular threat in Florida, where going to the pool is a popular way to cool down and have fun.

Some defects are caused by poor design, while others are due to shoddy construction or installation. In some situations, it is a specific malfunctioning piece of equipment that is to blame.

At Searcy Denney, we commonly see the following types of pool and equipment defects:

• Pump and drain suction problems: Pool pumps and drains are essential to keep water flowing, but they can cause severe injuries if they are too strong. Defective pumps and drains are a common cause of injury among children.
• Ladder and diving board defects: Poorly constructed ladders make it difficult to get in or out of a pool and can lead to injuries if they break during use. Many pools are no longer equipped with diving boards because of the injuries that they can cause if not properly installed and used.
• Filter issues: Pool filtration systems that become clogged are at risk of exploding when pressure builds in the lines.

Anyone who is injured by these and other defects has the right to seek compensation for their injuries potentially from both the pool owner and operator, and also the person or entity that designed or built the pool. A West Palm Beach product liability lawyer at Searcy Denney can help you identify those responsible and maximize your compensation.

What to Do If You Are Injured By a Defective Product in West Palm Beach

It is vital to have an attorney in your corner who will give you an honest assessment of your case. The truth is that the legal process for seeking compensation for injuries caused by a defective product can be long and complicated. 

A West Palm Beach product liability lawyer at our firm will help you navigate the process with experience and personal attention. To help us, there are several steps you can take after being injured.

First, keep the product, it’s packaging, and any instructions or other documents that came with it in a place where they will not be moved or disturbed. This is vital for proving that the product is defective and establishing that the defect caused you to be injured. The packaging and documents can also be crucial in resolving any questions about whether you were using the product in a way that was intended by the manufacturer or reasonably foreseeable.

Next, record all product information, such as the manufacturer, model name and number, serial number, and date and place of purchase. This is particularly helpful when you do not have the packaging or the product has been damaged or destroyed.

Additionally, identify any witnesses, either to the accident or to your injuries and obtain their contact information. It is also important to get any video or photographic evidence of the accident or injuries. Witnesses and other evidence can go a long way in establishing how the injuries happened and detailing their full extent.

Finally, stay away from social media. Do not share information about your injuries or your legal claim on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media outlets. Also, do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney.

How We Can Help You

Being injured by a harmful product is often a painful and stress-inducing experience, both for the person injured and their family. The good news is that you do not need to go it alone. 

A West Palm Beach product liability lawyer at our firm will work aggressively on your behalf to ensure that you get the full compensation available under the law. That lets you focus on your own physical recovery with the confidence that comes with knowing that a seasoned personal injury attorney is building the strongest possible case for money damages.

At Searcy Denney, our track record of success for the people and families we represent speaks for itself. For example, we were part of a legal team that secured a $1 billion national settlement over defective Stryker hip replacement devices that injured some 4,000 people. Our attorneys also secured a $10 million jury verdict for a woman who lost two family members thanks to a defective camping heater and tens of millions of dollars for people injured by harmful tobacco products.

Our team knows how to investigate an accident and identify those responsible for a defective product. We also understand how to locate all of the necessary evidence and build the best case possible for the people we represent.

Large product manufacturers and insurers often use teams of lawyers to push lowball settlements in the aftermath of an accident, looking to avoid slash claims with offers of quick cash. A West Palm Beach product liability lawyer will evaluate your claim and work to maximize your compensation.

Speak with a West Palm Beach Product Liability Lawyer

If a defective or malfunctioning product has injured you or a loved one, a West Palm Beach product liability lawyer at Searcy Denney can help you understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation.

Our personal injury attorneys help injured people and their families fight back against abuse and neglect. We are pleased to offer contingency fee arrangements, which means we do not get paid unless you win your case.

Our offices are conveniently located in West Palm Beach, Tampa and Tallahassee. Call us at 800-780-8607 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a West Palm Beach product liability lawyer today.