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Whether purchasing a vehicle or a children’s toy, consumers trust in manufacturers to sell reasonably safe products for the intended user. However, when these items are defective, they can cause harm to the consumer, resulting in personal injury or death. In these situations, consumers often have the right to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer to seek compensation for injuries. To provide a deeper look at this process, here are some common questions people ask personal injury attorneys about defective product lawsuits.

FAQ About Defective Product Lawsuits 

How Can a Product Be Defective?

There are three main ways a product can be found defective. Defective design refers to situations where the manufacturer designed a product that presented flaws or risks to the intended user. For example, a vehicle manufacturer could be liable for crash-related brain injuries if the car’s roof wasn’t properly reinforced for impact. 

Defective manufacturing refers to hazards created during production. These issues may vary and may not be consistent across the whole line of products. A wiring error during electronics manufacturing, for instance, could put the user at risk of electric shock. Defective marketing cases involve products that did not contain adequate warnings or instructions—such as failing to state that a children’s toy contained small parts that present a choking hazard. 

What Damages Can You Sue For? 

personal injury attorney

In personal injury law, plaintiffs can sue for compensation related to economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable and refer to losses that financially impacted the victim—such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages don’t have a direct cost attached to them—such as pain and suffering. 

Is There a Time Limit to Filing a Suit? 

The statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits varies in each state. In Alabama, consumers must file within two years of the incident. The court will likely throw out any filed suits submitted after this point.  

What Do You Need to Prove in a Defective Product Liability Suit?

Attorneys can successfully prove product liability with a variety of evidence—including medical records, expert testimony, and surveillance footage. However, to win, it must be shown that the product is more than just defective. In addition, the attorney must demonstrate that a specific defect directly caused the victim’s injuries. It must also be shown that the victim used the product as intended and according to the provided instructions.

 

When a faulty product has put you in harm’s way, don’t wait to seek help. Instead, turn to Lee, Livingston, Lee, Nichols & Barron, P.C., to file a liability suit against the responsible party. Based in Dothan, AL, these personal injury attorneys understand how to prove defects and demonstrate liability. Visit the firm online to learn more about their civil litigation services or call (334) 792-4156 to request a free consultation to discuss your claim. 

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