Almost any type of product can contain a potentially harmful defect. From household appliances to vehicles, faulty items can cause serious injuries to unsuspecting consumers. The consequences of product defects are often fatal, and survivors may face steep medical bills. Some cannot return to work, which leads to overwhelming debt.
Learn the three common examples of product liability cases:
- Prescription Medicines
Patients rely heavily on prescription drugs to treat their health problems, but if there is a defect in the medicine, then the consequences can be fatal. Victims and their families may be able to bring a claim against the drug’s manufacturer. If the medicine lacked adequate warning or instructions, was contaminated or the company lied about its efficacy, then you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, people have an obligation to report defective items to authorities. This is especially true for problems with prescription drugs, which the FDA regulates. It is crucial to locate faulty medicines and get them off the market as soon as possible.
- Recreational Products and Safety Equipment
Several different companies manufacture safety equipment. These products are supposed to protect people from injury or death, but if they do not work as intended or malfunction during use, then victims may have grounds for a lawsuit. Claims of product liability are especially common with recreational and sporting safety gear, such as harnesses and helmets.
- Automobiles
Although driver negligence and weather are the main contributors to accidents, they sometimes result from automobile defects. Malfunctioning parts can cause collisions that lead to serious injuries or even death.
There are several auto parts that can lead to product liability lawsuits. Common examples include tires, seatbelts and airbags. Any defect with these parts can cause a catastrophic injury. The vehicle’s manufacturer is typically liable in these cases.
Identifying dangerous or defective products before they cause an injury is seldom easy, but if you buy only from independently certified manufacturers, you can reduce the risk. The truth, however, is that reputable companies produce defective products from time to time.
If you were injured due to a product defect, then it is important to contact a personal-injury attorney immediately. These cases are particularly difficult to win. There may be several parties that contributed to the issue, including the designer, manufacturer and vender. Your lawyer can identify the liable parties, gather evidence, structure your claim and fight for the maximum compensation.