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When you use a consumer product, you never expect to be injured. Product liability holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for defective products that cause harm.
Whether it’s a faulty household appliance, a malfunctioning medical device, or a mislabeled cosmetic, defective products can result in severe injuries, financial losses, or even death.
At Curcio Law, we know the dangers of these defective products, and we are ready to help you take the legal steps when you have been affected by one. Reach out to our Alexandria product liability lawyer to find out how we can assist with your potential claim.
How Defective Products Can Affect You
According to the National Safety Council, consumer products injured 12,740,256 Americans in 2023. All manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers are responsible for designing, making, and selling safe products. When they fail to do so, these parties are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by defective items. There are three types of product liability claims, and they include:
- Manufacturing defects happen when a product is improperly made, such as using faulty materials or failing to meet safety standards during production.
- Design defects often have inherent flaws in the product’s design that make it unsafe, even if manufactured correctly.
- Failure to warn occurs when a company fails to provide adequate warnings or instructions about the product’s use or potential hazards.
A defective product could lead to injury, illness, or even death of consumers. For example, if a malfunctioning vehicle part, such as brakes, caused an accident, the injured party can seek compensation. With a product liability claim, you could be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you would like to learn more about whether to pursue a defective product case, contact an Alexandria product liability lawyer to discuss your situation.
What Items Can Be Dangerous?
Unfortunately, there are a wide variety of products that can cause harm. Over the years, some categories have become more dangerous than others. They include:
- Household products: Defective appliances, furniture, and mislabeled cleaning supplies
- Automotive and road safety products: Defective airbags, faulty brakes, and guardrails
- Recreational products and children’s toys: Defective bikes and scooters, toys with small parts, and poorly designed car seats
- Medical devices and pharmaceuticals: Faulty hip replacements, pacemakers, and improperly labeled or contaminated medications
- Electronics: Overheating smartphone or tablet batteries, faulty chargers
- Cosmetics and personal care products: Misleading ingredient labels and defective packaging
Each of these product categories can affect the safety and well-being of consumers. If you have been injured, reach out to a skilled product liability lawyer in Alexandria to learn more about taking legal action against these parties.
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Injured by a dangerous or defective product? You may have legal recourse. Learn more about your options for financial recovery today.
What To Do if You Have Been Injured?
If you discover that you have a defective product, you will want to take the right steps to protect your safety and make sure the responsible party is held accountable. You will want to:
- Seek medical attention if injured: If you have been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries should be documented by a healthcare provider. These medical records will be important if you decide to pursue a claim.
- Preserve the evidence: If you plan to pursue legal action, avoid tampering with or modifying the product. You will want to preserve the defective item and any documentation if you are considering filing a product liability claim.
- Stop using the product immediately: The first step is to stop using the defective product so you do not increase your risk of injury. Even if the defect seems minor, continued use could lead to more serious problems.
- Document the defect: You will want to take detailed notes and photographs of the defect, the product, and any damages or injuries caused by it. Along with that, make sure to keep the original packaging, user manuals, and receipts. This could be vital evidence in case of a legal claim.
- Check for recalls: If you believe you have a defective product, you may want to check the manufacturer’s website or official government websites such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for recalls. If one has been issued, follow the recall instructions to either return the product or receive a repair.
- Contact the manufacturer or retailer: You need to reach out to the manufacturer or the store where you purchased the product. Most of the time, you can get a replacement, refund, or repair.
- Consult with an Alexandria product liability lawyer: You may want to speak with a product liability attorney about a potential case. They can help you determine your valid claim and guide you through the legal process. You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
With these steps, you can make sure that your rights are protected and that you hold the responsible parties accountable for their defective products.
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What Type of Compensation Am I Entitled to if a Consumer Good Hurts Me?
If a defective product has caused injury or damage, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. These can include:
- You can claim compensation for all medical costs related to the injury caused by the defective product, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, surgery costs, physical therapy, and future medical expenses related to treatment or care.
- If your injury has caused you to miss work, you might be able to claim compensation for the wages you’ve lost during your recovery. If the injury affects your ability to work in the future, you might claim future lost earnings or diminished earning capacity.
- Compensation for pain and suffering is considered non-economic damage, but it addresses the emotional and physical hardship you have endured.
- In some cases, you can claim compensation for emotional distress caused by the injury, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other psychological trauma.
- If the defective product caused damage to your property, you can seek compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
If the manufacturer or retailer acted with gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. Keep in mind that these damages are awarded in extreme cases where the defendant’s actions were egregious.
Unfortunately, a defective product might cause the death of a loved one. In these cases, the family members may be entitled to wrongful death compensation. These damage awards can cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of future income, loss of companionship, and the emotional distress caused by the unexpected death.
When you work with a skilled product liability attorney, you can ensure that all potential types of compensation are explored and pursued to cover your losses fully. The amount of compensation awarded will depend on the severity of the injury, the financial impact, and the case’s specific circumstances.
Talk to Our Alexandria Product Liability Lawyer Today
Whether it’s seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, you need to take action against these negligent product manufacturers, designers, and sellers. At Curcio Law, we are here to help you through the entire process.
You need to focus on recovery as we take the appropriate legal action against these negligent parties. Find out how we can help by talking to our Alexandria product liability lawyer today.