When a consumer buys a product, there is a certain expectation that the product will not cause the consumer harm when used as directed. Sadly, there are many products on the shelves that will cause injury to the people who use them. In some cases, the injuries will be fatal. That is why it’s so important that you speak with a skilled personal injury attorney if you or someone that you love has been harmed by a defective product. Filing a legal claim under these circumstances is classified as a product liability lawsuit.
About Product Liability Lawsuits
Product liability lawsuits are brought against a product manufacturer, designer, or distributor associated with a defective or injurious product. These lawsuits are intended to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with the harm caused by the product. The lawsuit will also seek punitive damages in order to punish the responsible party and deter future acts of negligence.
Below are just a few examples of defective products that have resulted in product liability lawsuits.
Defective Household Appliances
We expect everyday appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, and refrigerators to function normally and not cause any kinds of serious injuries or harm. Yet poorly designed appliances can lead to major injuries and harm, and can even start fires.
Defective Consumer Appliances
As with household appliances, we rarely expect our DVD or Blu-ray players, tablets, laptops, or smart phones to cause injuries. Yet electrocutions and other kinds of serious problems can occur, and the product makers need to be held accountable if such problems were avoidable.
Defective Automobiles or Auto Parts
Cars are ubiquitous and a part of our everyday lives. When a car is poorly designed or auto parts do not work as intended (e.g., brakes, seat belts, air bags), this can result in serious trauma such as spinal injury and brain injury. Attorneys well-versed in auto accident litigation and product liability litigation will help you pursue a legal claim against the responsible party.
Defective Toys for Children
We expect that toys are designed so that they are safe for their intended age group. And yet time and time again, we notice issues with choking hazards, unsafe materials, poor design, and more. Toys that are potentially harmful to children need to be taken off the market and the makers held accountable for their negligence.
Defective Pharmaceuticals / Dangerous Drugs
Medications and pharmaceuticals should be designed to help us, but you’d be surprised just how much harm some of them can cause due to poor testing and clinical trials. Those in big pharma should be held to a high standard given what’s at stake with their products, and these sorts of lawsuits will help ensure that is the case.
Defective / Dangerous Food Products
Whether it’s pre-packed/pre-prepared food at the store or food purchased at a restaurant, the food and the ingredients should be safe for consumption. When tainted foods enter the market, it can potentially affect the wellness of thousands. Product liability lawsuits for food products help maintain proper food safety checks and standards.
Learn More About Product Liability Lawsuits
For more information about defective product lawsuits and how our legal team can help you and your loved ones, be sure to contact our New Orleans, Louisiana personal injury lawyers today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you obtain just compensation for any injuries and losses sustained.