Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products work as advertised and are reasonably safe to use. Failing to meet this requirement may make a manufacturer liable for any injuries its product causes to consumers. However, knowing that a company is responsible for a defective product and holding them accountable are very different things.
Assistance from a Philadelphia defective products lawyer is essential to getting a good outcome in these cases. Whether you suffered short-term injuries or have sustained life-changing trauma from an unreasonably dangerous product, consult a winning attorney at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Our team has recovered millions of dollars for the families of those killed or seriously injured in product liability “design” cases involving dangerous forklifts, ladders, treadmills, exercise and fitness equipment, and other hazardous products at home or in the workplace.
Who is Liable for a Defective Product?
In rare cases, it’s possible to sue a retailer that sold a product they didn’t specifically manufacture if that retailer did something reckless or careless to make that product dangerous. More often, though, liability for a dangerous consumer product lies with the company that designed and manufactured it. There are three types of “product defects” that can justify this kind of lawsuit if they are the direct and main cause of an injury to someone using the product.
Design Defects
First, a product can be defective in its design. This means that every version of it ever made is dangerous in roughly the same way due to a fundamental flaw in its basic form and nature.
Manufacturing Defects
Second, a product can have a manufacturing defect. This means an otherwise safely designed product was assembled incorrectly, making a single unit or batch dangerous.
Defective Marketing
Third, a product can have defective marketing. This means the manufacturer didn’t do enough to warn users about using the product correctly and avoiding injuries.
Regardless of why a product was defective, your Philadelphia attorney can investigate the situation and build a claim for compensation.
Getting Paid Fairly for a Dangerous Consumer Good
Defective product claims are a type of personal injury litigation. You and your Philadelphia lawyer can seek compensation through a defective product lawsuit against the manufacturer for all the same losses you could factor into any other personal injury case. This includes both economic and non-economic forms of harm, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Property damage or loss, including costs of replacing or repairing the defective product
- All past and future medical bills
- Lost ability to work and short-term wages
It’s important to act quickly after suffering an injury caused by a defective product. Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of an injury to file a lawsuit. The product liability attorneys at our firm can work tirelessly to build a strong claim within the applicable time limits and protect your right to compensation.
Get in Touch with a Philadelphia Defective Products Attorney
Even if a defective product has been recalled, you might still have grounds to file suit over your injuries. However, bringing a claim without seasoned legal counsel on your side will likely lead to less money than you deserve—or no compensation at all.
A Philadelphia defective products lawyer can provide the guidance you need to achieve a positive case result. No matter what type of product harmed you, Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers are prepared to stand up for your rights. Call today to discuss your options in a free consultation.
