If you’ve been harmed in any of these situations involving faulty products or others like them, you could have a product liability claim for compensation against the product’s manufacturer or designer. You can learn more about compensation in a free consultation with a Johnson City product liability lawyer from The Terry Law Firm.
Reach out to us today to get started.
What Is a Product Liability Lawsuit?
A product liability lawsuit is a personal injury claim filed by an injured consumer or end-user of an unreasonably dangerous product. The Tennessee Products Liability Act permits injured consumers to file lawsuits against a consumer product manufacturer or other party that released a harmful product onto the market. Product liability lawyers handle these cases by gathering evidence against manufacturing corporations and product designers.
A defective product lawsuit alleges that a product’s designer, manufacturer, shipper, seller, or other responsible party failed in their obligation to ensure that only safe, non-contaminated products are presented for consumer use. These cases tend to be much more complex than other personal injury claims, as the defendant (the party responsible for harm) is often a big corporation, much more powerful than an ordinary consumer.
However, as a consumer, you have the right to safe food, medications, and devices. If a failure on the part of a designer or manufacturer renders the product fundamentally unsafe, and you’re injured because of it, then you likely have the right to demand compensation for your losses.
Which Types of Products Can Be Defective in Johnson City, Tennessee?
A defective product lawyer can tell you that just about any product could be part of a product liability lawsuit. Here are some defective product cases that may look familiar to you:
- Talcum body powder contaminated with asbestos
- Exploding smartphones
- Listeria-contaminated pork products
- Malfunctioning autopilot on electric vehicles
- Leaking silicone breast implants
- Prescription medication that causes cancer
These are just a few big-news product liability cases. A product liability case could include anything that harms a customer or end-user who is using the product according to its directions or intended use. So, food and drink with contaminated ingredients, beauty products, surgical mesh and other medical devices, electronics, baby gear, household products, your car, batteries, and more – all could be included, and they’re also just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re unsure if you’ve been a victim of a defective product injury, consult with our Johnson City product liability attorneys.
What Are the Different Types of Product Defects?
Product defects fall into three main categories:
- Design defects – The product designer failed to create a safe product, so the product is fundamentally unsafe when manufactured or prepared according to the designer’s specs. A defective design claim affects the entire product line.
- Manufacturing defects – In these cases, the product’s design is sound, but the manufacturer failed to implement the right production controls, safety protocols, or quality assurance necessary for a safe batch of products. A deviation from manufacturing standards affects only certain units in the product line, not everything is made according to the design.
- Failure to warn – Sometimes, products are safe to use as intended, but they do not carry appropriate instructions about how to do so. Someone who gets hurt because the manufacturer or retailer did not provide adequate product instructions could hold those parties liable for their failure to warn. These are sometimes called marketing defects.
Severe Injuries Caused by Dangerous Products in Johnson City, TN
Defective product injuries can change your life, leaving you permanently disabled or with a chronic, incurable medical condition. Some examples of potential injuries from defective products include:
- Chemical or electrical burns
- Vision or hearing loss
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Liver failure
- Complications from foodborne bacteria
- Rashes and skin disease
- Fertility complications, including congenital disabilities or involuntary sterilization
- Cysts or tumors on reproductive organs
- Injuries suffered in a car wreck caused by a malfunctioning vehicle
- Suffocation (especially common with defective baby gear)
- Brain damage
These are life-changing conditions, and the medical bills to treat can add up quickly. Our lawyers want to help you find the party responsible for the unsafe product and hold them accountable for your injuries and related losses.
Who Is Liable for a Defective Product?
Multiple parties could be liable for a defective consumer product, including:
- The designer
- The manufacturer
- The designer and manufacturer of a component part
- The company that retailed it, in limited circumstances
These may not be the only parties liable. In some cases, multiple parties could be liable for your harm.
Compensation in a Product Liability Claim in Johnson City
You are entitled to seek both economic and non-economic compensation in a product liability claim. Economic compensation offsets your tangible losses, like medical bills, lost wages from work, or a loss of earning potential if you’re disabled and cannot continue your current job.
Non-economic compensation covers the intangible losses from the injury. It could include the emotional trauma of the incident, pain and suffering from your injuries, damaged relationships, and compensation for scarring and disfigurement.
People harmed by defective products may also seek punitive damages in some instances. These damages are punishment-based, not compensation-based. They are usually awarded by a jury if they find the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent or willfully disregardful of end-users’ safety. Punitive damages also act as a deterrent to other companies who may be tempted to cut corners with safety, testing, or using inferior ingredients. There is a limit on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in Tennessee.
Talk to Our Experienced Johnson City Product Liability Lawyers Today
Have you been hurt by an unsafe product? You can learn your legal options in a free consultation with an experienced Johnson City product injury attorney from The Terry Law Firm. Our family tradition of legal services goes back to 1960, and we pride ourselves on the personal approach we take with our clients.
Contact us for a free consultation today and let us help you demand justice and seek compensation.
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