Most people are familiar with personal injury claims that arise from car accidents, dog bites, or similar incidents. But did you know that many people file injury claims against companies for injuries and losses arising from defective products that malfunctioned?
Product liability is a legal principle that holds corporations liable for selling inherently defective products that cause injuries, and these claims can be complicated. It is important for anyone injured by a defective product to seek help from an experienced product liability lawyer who has handled this type of claim.
How the Right Product Liability Attorney Can Help
If a product malfunctioned and you suffered injuries, it can be quite challenging to know whether you have a claim against the manufacturer. Some products simply malfunction due to wear and tear, misuse, or other reasons not associated with their manufacturing. On the other hand, some products cause injuries due to one of the following:
- Design defects
- Shoddy materials or negligent assembly
- Failure to warn consumers of risks of the product
If one of the above caused the injuries from using the product, the manufacturer should be responsible for all of a victim’s losses.
Determining that a product was overly dangerous or had inadequate warnings can be a technical matter. A skilled product liability attorney will have knowledge of the law and access to a network of experts who can examine the product and give their opinion regarding possible defects. It can be difficult to gather evidence of a defective product without professional assistance.
An attorney can also evaluate and advise on the best course of action for your case. For example, did multiple people suffer injuries from the same product defect? In this situation, you might have the option to file a claim on your own or as part of a class action lawsuit. There are benefits of class action claims, but it is not the right path for everyone.
Whether you decide to file a solo claim or join a class action, the legal process can be complicated. A product liability lawyer will understand:
- Rules of civil procedure
- Rules of evidence
- Burdens of proof
- Understand the trial process
- Possible defenses raised by the defendant
- California product liability and strict liability laws
While you are recovering from a serious injury, the last thing you need to try to do is navigate the civil justice system. You should leave that to a legal professional who handles product liability cases.
What Cases Does a Product Liability Attorney Take?
There are millions of products out on the market or in California homes, which means there are millions of products that might injure consumers. Some common product liability claims that lawyers handle include:
- Dangerous pharmaceuticals
- Defective medical devices
- Defective motor vehicles or vehicle parts
- Appliances and electronics
- Recreational equipment
- Foodstuffs
An experienced OC product liability lawyer can identify liability for your injuries and calculate the full value of your damages to ensure that you receive full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or wrongful death from a defective product.