Defective Products

Injury from Defective & Dangerous Products

When you purchase a product, you have a legal right to expect that the product will work and that it won’t cause an injury. But defective and dangerous products cause injuries to thousands of U.S. consumers every year. In some cases, medical treatment can take years and the costs can be astronomical. When companies put profits ahead of safety and individuals are injured or even killed as a result, these companies can and should be held responsible.

Defective product cases may include the following types of products:

  • toys
  • sports and recreational equipment
  • construction materials
  • home fixtures, appliances and furnishings
  • heating, ventilating and cooling equipment toys
  • children’s nursery equipment and supplies
  • home entertainment and communication equipment
  • household product packaging
  • lawn, garden and workshop tools and equipment
  • home maintenance products
  • motor vehicles
  • pharmaceutical products
  • medical devices

Specialized, experienced legal services

We have successfully represented many victims of defective and dangerous products. If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective product, we will be able to tell you whether you have a valid legal claim, and what damages you may be able to recover. Depending on how serious your injuries are, you may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and/or property damage. In some instances, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are awarded to punish someone for negligent, reckless or intentionally dangerous behavior.

We are specialists who focus solely on personal injury law, including cases involving defective and dangerous products. And although we work for individuals rather than insurance companies, we have extensive experience working on the insurance side of personal injury claims. Most importantly, we understand what it takes to build the strongest cases for our clients, and we are committed and effective in helping our clients obtain the maximum compensation for injuries from defective and dangerous products. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we have succeeded in making a recovery for you.

What to do after an injury due to a defective or dangerous product

Every case is different, but here are a few guidelines that generally apply to defective or dangerous product lawsuits.

  • Get medical attention as soon as possible. In addition to taking care of yourself or your loved ones, obtaining medical help will provide important documentation for your injuries. Keep in mind that it may take several months to completely assess related injuries, or that medical treatment may have to continue indefinitely.
  • Gather important resources and information. You should be able to provide your attorney with the product itself (if you still have it), information about where you purchased it, any manuals or other material that came with the product, pictures of the product and where the injury occurred, copies of your medical records, documentation of any time that you missed from work, receipts for property damage, including cleaning bills or receipts for damaged clothing.
  • Take notes and photos. Record the time and place of the incident and any other relevant information. Write down the details of what occurred and what was said by any witnesses. Take photos of your injuries. After the incident, document your treatment process, your mental state, any appointments resulting from the accident (medical, insurance, etc.), distances traveled, time taken off from work, and the effect of the incident and the injuries on your family.

Contact us

To learn more about how we can help you if you have been a victim of an injury caused by a defective or dangerous product, contact us online or call 203-259-5400. Remember that your initial consultation is free and that we are here to put our legal skills to work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions that we’re often asked regarding defective products:

  • What is product liability? Product liability refers to the law that governs the liability of manufacturers and others, such as suppliers, distributors, and retailers, for injuries or death resulting from the use of a defective or dangerous product. Product liability cases are generally decided on whether there was an injury and whether the product was defective or unexpectedly dangerous.
  • What makes a product defective? There are three basic types of product defects: design defects, manufacturing defects, and insufficient warnings or instructions.
  • Who can be held responsible for a defective product? The manufacturer, the company that sold it to you, or a person or company that repaired it can be held responsible.
  • Can someone who didn’t buy or use the product file a lawsuit? Someone who didn’t purchase the product but was using it in a manner that was foreseeable may be covered if they were injured. People who were injured when someone else was using the product may also be covered.
  • Is the validity of a case affected if the product was used in a way that was not intended by the manufacturer? Manufacturers are obligated to anticipate foreseeable misuse by consumers, and to warn consumers about potential dangers in using a product in a way that is not intended.
  • Can I sue a foreign corporation that made the product or a portion of the product? Once a product is sold in the United States, the company that manufactured it becomes subject to U.S. laws. However, this may add additional complexity to your case. Having experienced counsel to represent you is the best way to make sure that you’ll receive compensation for your injuries.
  • How long do I have to file a case? Every state has a maximum amount of time, called a “statute of limitations,” in which you must file a defective product lawsuit. Check with an attorney as soon as possible to find out the statute of limitations for your case.
  • How much money is needed to pursue a claim? Product liability cases are often taken on a contingency basis, which means that the attorney is paid only when he or she is successful. However, there may be other costs associated with a lawsuit. These should be discussed with an attorney.
  • What is a class action lawsuit? When many people have been injured by the same product, under similar circumstances, it may be expedient to hire an attorney to represent all of their claims in a single, “class action” lawsuit. Joining a class action may be an easier way to recover compensation. An attorney can help you decide the pros and cons of joining a class action.
  • Should I hire a lawyer? An experienced product liability lawyer can help you to determine how to proceed with your legal claim and can assist you in negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial. An attorney can increase your likelihood of receiving compensation, and the amount you receive may be higher than if you tried the case without legal representation.