Companies that design, manufacture and sell products have a responsibility to make them reasonably safe. When a defective product causes injury, the injured person may be able to recover compensation from the companies in the chain of distribution.
Types of Product Defects
- Design defects — the product is dangerous as designed
- Manufacturing defects — something went wrong in production
- Failure to warn — inadequate instructions or warnings about known risks
Who May Be Responsible
Manufacturers, component makers, distributors and retailers may each be liable. Many states apply strict liability to defective products, meaning the injured person does not have to prove the company was careless — only that the product was defective and caused the injury.
Preserve the Product
The product itself is often the most important evidence. Keep it, along with packaging, receipts and instructions, and do not attempt repairs.
How We Can Help
We work with engineers and other professionals to identify the defect, trace the product's history and pursue the companies responsible.