What Is Product Liability?
Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when their products cause injury to consumers. These cases arise when products fail to meet safety standards or contain defects that make them unreasonably dangerous. The law recognizes three main types of product defects: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects.
Design defects occur when a product’s blueprint or specifications are inherently dangerous. Manufacturing defects happen during the production process, creating products that differ from their intended design. Marketing defects, also known as failure to warn, involve inadequate instructions or warnings about potential dangers.
Common Product Liability Cases
Product liability cases can involve virtually any consumer product. Some of the most common include automotive defects like faulty brakes or airbags, pharmaceutical products with dangerous side effects, medical devices that malfunction, children’s toys with choking hazards, and household appliances with electrical issues.
These cases often require extensive investigation and technical analysis to prove the defect and establish liability. We work with industry professionals and technical analysts to build compelling cases that demonstrate how the defective product caused your injuries.
How to Prove Negligence in Your Product Liability Case
Successful product liability claims require demonstrating several key elements. You must show the product was defective, you were injured while using the product as intended, and the defect directly caused your injuries. This process involves gathering evidence, consulting with technical professionals, and understanding complex manufacturing and safety standards.
We begin by thoroughly investigating your case, examining the product, reviewing medical records, and consulting with relevant professionals. Our team works diligently to gather all necessary evidence while you focus on your recovery.
Time Limits for Product Liability Claims
Product liability cases are subject to strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, which vary by state and type of claim. In California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a product liability lawsuit, though certain circumstances may extend or shorten this timeframe.
The discovery rule may apply in cases where the defect or injury wasn’t immediately apparent. This means the statute of limitations begins when you discover or reasonably should have discovered the injury and its connection to the defective product. However, California also imposes an ultimate deadline of 10 years from the date the product was first sold, regardless of when the injury was discovered.
These time limits make it crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after discovering your injury. Waiting too long may result in losing your right to pursue compensation, even if you have a valid claim. We work quickly to investigate your case and preserve important evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
Potentially Recoverable Compensation in Product Liability Cases
Product liability cases can result in significant compensation for various damages. You may be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct by manufacturers, punitive damages may also be available.
The amount of compensation depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the degree of the manufacturer’s negligence. We evaluate every aspect of your case to pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
Choose Big Joe Law for Your Product Liability Case
Product liability cases demand skilled legal representation and extensive resources to take on major corporations and manufacturers. At Big Joe Law, our personal injury lawyers have the experience and determination needed to fight for your rights against powerful defendants. Our recent settlements of $2,750,000, $2,250,000, and $250,000 demonstrate our ability to achieve substantial results for our clients.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. This no-fee guarantee ensures you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs. Contact Big Joe Law today at (818) 821-0026 or through our contact form to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you hold negligent manufacturers accountable.
