Injured By A Defective Product? 3 Things You Need To Know About Product Liability Claims

When it comes to the products you purchase, you expect them to operate the way that they were intended to. Sometimes, through no fault of your own, you purchase a defective product. Most of the time, a defective product merely causes varying degrees of aggravation. However, there are times when a defective product leads to serious injuries, or even fatalities.

If you've been injured by a defective product, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Not only will they help you receive compensation for your injuries, they can also help ensure that the product doesn't go on to injure other people. Here are three things you need to know about a product liability case. If any of the scenario discussed below seem familiar, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. 

You Suffered Actual Injuries Due to the Defect

Before you can begin a product liability claim against the company, you have to prove that you suffered actual injuries from their product. That means that the product can't malfunction and "almost" cause injuries. You have to have verifiable injuries as a result of the product. It's not enough that the blade on your lawn mower fell off during operation and almost cut your leg. In order to have a claim against the company, the blade must have actually caused injuries to your person.

The Product was Defective

Once you've shown that you were injured while using the product, you'll have to show that the product was defective. There are a couple of ways to do that.

Error in Manufacturing

If there was an error in the way your lawn mower was manufactured, you can prove error in manufacturing. For instance, if the bracket that holds the blade in place is subject to deterioration when it overheats, causing the blade to release during operation, you may have a claim against the company.

Error in Design

If the lawn mower you were using was designed inappropriately, and that design flaw could lead to injuries, you may be able to prove error in design. An example of this would be if the lawn mower had a blade release switch that was located on the undercarriage, instead of on the handle. With the release switch on the undercarriage, any debris on the ground could cause the blade to release.

You Weren't Negligent

Finally, in order to show that the product was responsible for your injuries, you'll need to show that you weren't negligent in the way you were using the particular item. That means you'll have to show that you were using your lawn mower according to the manufacturers guidelines. For instance, you weren't using your lawn mower as a hedge trimmer.

If you've been the victim of a defective product and suffered injuries, you need to speak to a product liability attorney, such as those found at Adkins Law Firm. You may be able to receive compensation for the injuries you sustained.

Share