Product-Related Injuries: Do You Know Your Rights?

Whether you’re dealing with dangerous prescription medications or defective toys and appliances, harmful products are resulting in numerous hospital visits and innumerable monetary losses on a yearly basis. The good news is that those who have been hurt by defective products can seek financial compensation for their losses. That said, enforcing your rights begins with getting a better understanding of the laws that protect you. Below, our  lawyers share important information for you to keep in mind if you believe you’ve been injured by a defective product.

How Product Defect Claims are Handled in Florida

Pursuing compensation for injuries from a defective product differs from other types of injury-related compensation claims. Typically,  injury claims are based on the negligence of some other party, however, when you sustain a product-related injury, you can seek compensation regardless of whether another person or company is to blame. This is referred to as “strict liability,” and the concept behind the law is that it should act to deter individuals and/or companies from carelessly putting dangerous products in the marketplace.

Various issues can make normal products dangerous. Legally, product defects fall into three categories:

• Failure to Warn –In certain circumstances, product manufacturers and sellers can avoid liability for product-related risks by posting proper warnings on the products’ packaging. However, when they fail to warn consumers of known risks, they can face strict liability for any injuries that could have been avoided had there been a warning included.
• Manufacturing Defects – These are defects that exist due to a flaw in production. This could be an issue in the manufacturing process that affects multiple units, or it could be a one-off problem that makes a single product dangerous for its intended use.
• Design Defects – A design defect is an issue that makes a product dangerous even when it is manufactured and produced according to specification. For example, if the design of a ladder results in an unstable product or an airbag deploys without warning, these would be considered design defects that can give rise to strict liability claims.

When a defective product causes an injury, all parties involved in the chain of distribution can be held liable for victims’ losses. However, major corporations will vigorously defend against liability for product defect claims, and as a result, those seeking to protect their rights will need the representation of experienced lawyers.

Hurt by a Defective Product? Let Our Lawyers Help

If you or a family member has been hurt and you suspect that a product defect may be to blame, it is important that you speak with skilled Tallahassee product liability lawyers about your rights. Our attorneys have helped countless clients secure monetary compensation for a wide range of product defects, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve.  We also help injured victims in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach.  There are no fees unless we win your case; so, to get started with a free consultation, call us at (888) 549-7011 or inquire online today.