Connecticut Defective and Dangerous Product Claims
Consumers should be able to use products as reasonably intended without suffering preventable harm. When a product’s design, manufacture, warnings or instructions make it unreasonably dangerous, injured people may have a product-liability claim.
These matters can be technically demanding. The product, packaging, purchase history, warnings, repair history and expert analysis may all become important evidence. Manufacturers, distributors, sellers and other entities in the supply chain may need to be identified and investigated.
Types of Product Defects
- Design defects: The product’s design may create an unreasonable danger even when it is manufactured as intended.
- Manufacturing defects: A particular product may differ from its intended design because of an error in production or assembly.
- Warning or instruction defects: A product may lack adequate information about significant risks or reasonably safe use.
The legal theory and responsible parties depend on the product, how it failed, how it was used and the applicable evidence.
Products That May Give Rise to Claims
Claims can involve consumer goods, tools, appliances, vehicles and components, recreational equipment, children’s products, construction materials, medical devices, pharmaceutical products, machinery and many other products.
Preserve the Product and Related Evidence
The product itself may be the most important evidence in the case. If possible, do not discard, repair, alter, return or allow destructive testing of it before obtaining advice. Store it safely and prevent further use.
Other useful evidence can include:
- Photographs and video of the product, damage and incident location
- Packaging, labels, warnings, instructions and manuals
- Receipts, order confirmations and information about where and when it was purchased
- Serial, model and lot numbers
- Maintenance, repair and prior-incident information
- Medical records, bills and documentation of lost work or property damage
- Names and contact information for witnesses
What to Do After a Product-Related Injury
- Obtain appropriate medical care and describe how the incident occurred.
- Secure the product without changing its condition, if it can be done safely.
- Document everything before the scene, product or packaging changes.
- Avoid signing releases or surrendering evidence until you understand the consequences.
- Seek advice promptly. Evidence, potential defendants and legal deadlines can make early investigation important.
This information is general, and the appropriate course depends on the product and circumstances.
Focused Connecticut Representation
Attorney Robert “Bob” Cavanaugh has represented injured people exclusively since 2002. His prior insurance-side experience helps him anticipate how product claims may be investigated and defended. Clients work directly with Bob, and the firm maintains a focused caseload.
Available compensation depends on the facts and may include medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage and other legally recoverable losses.
Initial consultations are free. Defective-product cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis, so no attorney’s fee is owed unless compensation is recovered.