When you purchase a product, you expect it to be safe, functional, and free from defects. Unfortunately, not all products meet these standards, and defective or dangerous products can cause serious injuries, leading to physical, emotional, and financial hardships. In some cases, the consequences can be life-altering, ranging from severe injuries to long-term health conditions. If you’ve been harmed by a faulty product, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. Working with a skilled product liability attorney in Sherman Oaks can make all the difference in navigating complex legal processes and securing the compensation you deserve. Learn more about our services in Sherman Oaks to see how we can assist with your product liability claim.
What is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility that manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers have for any harm their products cause to consumers. If a product is found to be defective or dangerous, these parties can be held accountable for damages. Product liability law is designed to ensure that companies prioritize safety in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of their products. There are three main types of product liability claims:
- Design Defects: These occur when a product’s design is inherently unsafe, even if it is manufactured correctly. This means the defect exists from the very beginning of the product’s creation, and it affects every unit produced. For example, a poorly designed car seat that doesn’t adequately protect a child in the event of an accident or an electrical appliance that tends to overheat and catch fire. In design defect cases, the key question is whether there was a reasonable alternative design that could have prevented the harm.
- Manufacturing Defects: These defects arise during the production or assembly process, resulting in a product that differs from its intended design and poses a danger to consumers. Manufacturing defects may only affect a particular batch or run of products. For instance, a batch of contaminated food, a car with improperly installed brakes, or a poorly assembled power tool that malfunctions. Unlike design defects, manufacturing defects are often isolated incidents that occur due to errors during the production phase.
- Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn or Inadequate Instructions): This occurs when a product lacks proper instructions or warnings, leading to misuse and potential harm. These defects are especially common in products that have inherent risks if not used correctly, such as pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, or power tools. For instance, medication that doesn’t include adequate warnings about side effects, or a product that fails to specify crucial safety instructions for safe operation. In these cases, companies have a duty to inform consumers about potential risks and proper usage guidelines.
Why You Need a Product Liability Attorney in Sherman Oaks
Navigating a product liability claim can be complex, especially when dealing with large corporations and their experienced legal teams. They often have vast resources dedicated to minimizing payouts, and it can be difficult to stand up to them alone. That’s why having a skilled product liability attorney by your side is essential. An experienced attorney will help you build a solid case and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. Here’s how a dedicated attorney can support you:
- Investigate Your Case Thoroughly: An experienced attorney will examine the defective product, review your injuries, and gather all necessary evidence. This may include expert testimony, product testing, and consultation with professionals in product engineering, safety, or design. They will determine how the defect occurred and whether similar incidents have happened before, which can be crucial in proving your case. Learn more about how we can help.
- Identify All Responsible Parties: Determining who is liable for your injuries can be challenging. Your attorney will identify all potential defendants, whether it’s the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or any other party involved in the product’s supply chain. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, and an attorney will ensure that each one is held accountable. This comprehensive approach maximizes your chances of securing full compensation, as it covers all aspects of liability across the supply chain.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies on Your Behalf: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. They may argue that the accident was partly your fault or that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed. A product liability attorney will handle all communication, negotiate aggressively, and push back against these tactics to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Their experience in dealing with insurance companies means they understand the strategies insurers use to avoid payouts and can effectively counter them.
- Represent You in Court if Necessary: While many product liability cases are settled out of court, some may require litigation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial. They will advocate for your rights before a judge and jury, presenting a compelling case that emphasizes the full extent of your injuries and losses. Effective courtroom representation can be the key to winning a substantial verdict, especially when dealing with stubborn or uncooperative defendants.
Types of Product Liability Cases We Handle
While product liability cases can involve a wide range of products, some of the most common cases include:
- Defective Medical Devices: Cases where patients suffer injuries due to malfunctioning or unsafe medical devices, such as faulty implants, pacemakers, or surgical instruments. These cases can be particularly complex because they often involve medical evidence and expert testimony. An experienced attorney will collaborate with medical professionals to ensure your case is backed by solid evidence and expert opinions.
- Faulty Auto Parts: Defective car parts can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Common issues include malfunctioning brakes, airbags that fail to deploy or deploy unexpectedly, tire blowouts, and problems with steering mechanisms. See how we handle car-related cases to ensure your rights are protected. If your accident was caused by a defective vehicle component, we will work to hold manufacturers accountable for the damages caused.
- Dangerous Household Products: Claims involving everyday items like electrical appliances, furniture, children’s toys, and home tools that have design flaws, faulty construction, or inadequate warnings. For example, a toy that poses a choking hazard, a space heater that overheats, or a piece of furniture that is prone to tipping over. These products can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts and burns to serious, life-threatening conditions. Our team will investigate the product’s design and production to identify where the fault lies.
- Defective Pet Products: If a faulty leash or dangerous toy caused harm, our team is ready to help. Check out our expertise in animal-related injuries. Pet owners trust these products to keep their pets safe, and when they fail, the results can be tragic. We will pursue compensation for any harm caused to you or your pets by defective products.
Catastrophic Injuries from Defective Products
Serious injuries can result from product defects, sometimes leading to lifelong challenges, including permanent disability, disfigurement, or chronic pain. Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and adjustments to daily living, which can be financially and emotionally overwhelming. Our catastrophic injury team is equipped to handle cases involving severe harm, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. These cases often require extensive investigation and expert testimony, which our attorneys will organize to build a strong case on your behalf. We understand the long-term implications of catastrophic injuries and will fight for compensation that covers not just immediate medical expenses but also ongoing care, therapy, and any necessary lifestyle adaptations.
What To Do If a Defective Product Causes Fatal Injuries
Losing a loved one due to a faulty product is devastating, and the grief can make it difficult to focus on legal matters. However, taking legal action can help bring justice to your family and prevent others from suffering similar tragedies. Our wrongful death attorneys can guide you through the legal steps needed to hold responsible parties accountable, offering support and clarity during this difficult time. We will handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the incident to representing your family in court, so you can focus on healing.
Success Stories: Product Liability Wins
We’ve successfully resolved numerous product liability cases, helping clients secure the justice and compensation they need. View our case results to learn more about how we’ve helped others in situations like yours. From complex design defect cases to claims involving failure to warn, our track record speaks to our commitment to justice. Each success story demonstrates our dedication to holding negligent manufacturers and companies accountable, ensuring our clients receive compensation for their pain, suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
FAQs on Product Liability Claims
Have questions about product liability? Visit our FAQ section to find answers to the most common questions, from filing a claim to understanding settlement options. We cover everything you need to know to make informed decisions about your case. Our FAQs address various aspects of product liability, including what to do immediately after an injury, how to preserve evidence, and what you can expect during the claims process.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If you’re unsure whether you have a case, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. Our team will evaluate your situation and provide
clear advice on your next steps. With years of experience in product liability law, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of your claim and work towards the best possible outcome. Taking prompt action can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, helping you move forward after a difficult and unexpected situation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building a strong case to ensure your rights are protected.