Savannah Product Liability Lawyers
Our Lawyers Help Injured Victims in Savannah Win Product Liability Claims
When you buy a product, you have a right to expect it to work as specified. However, some products are so defective that they actually injure people when used as directed. Product liability laws play a crucial role in protecting consumers from faulty products by ensuring that you have legal recourse in these situations.
If you or a loved one was seriously harmed by a defective product, contact the Savannah personal injury lawyers at Butler Prather LLP. We will investigate the accident and file a claim or lawsuit to help you get the money you need to cover your medical bills and other expenses.
Please give us a call at (800) 242-2962 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
Why Choose Our Savannah Firm to Represent You?
The attorneys at Butler Prather LLP are exceptional at what we do, and our experience makes us uniquely equipped to handle your case. Additional reasons include:
- We've been helping people in Savannah for over 35 years.
- We've won nine settlements that exceed $100 million.
- We've won over 60 verdicts and settlements that surpass $10 million.
- We won the largest collected settlement in U.S. history.
- We are selective about the kinds of cases we accept, which allows us to focus our full attention on the needs of our clients.
- We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means our clients never owe anything until we win a settlement or a court makes a judgment in their favor.
What is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility that manufacturers, distributors, marketers, and sellers have for any harm their products may cause consumers. When a consumer suffers an injury from using a dangerous or defective product, anyone involved in making or distributing the product may be liable. Types of Savannah product liability claims include:
- Design defects occur when a product is inherently unsafe, even before manufacturing. Such claims arise from inherent flaws in a product's design. Sometimes, a product defect affects an entire line of products. An example might be a slide with edges short enough for a child to fall off during use. It's crucial for companies to conduct rigorous testing and risk assessments during the design phase to identify and correct potential hazards.
- Manufacturing defects often occur due to quality control failures, the use of substandard materials, or human error on the production line. Such claims affect products in a line, causing a dangerous or defective condition due to an error in the manufacturing process. For example, baby food tainted with E. coli might give rise to this type of claim. Manufacturers must be vigilant in their quality control processes and stay informed about the latest safety regulations.
- Failure to warn results from inadequate warnings or instructions. Disclaimers and instructions must be prominently displayed to warn about specific risks associated with the product. A failure to warn claim might exist when the product's instructions fail to highlight a danger that might not be obvious to a user. For example, toxic chemicals should include instructions for proper ventilation and safety gear.
What Is a Defective Product Recall?
A product recall is initiated when a product is found to be unsafe or defective and poses a risk to consumers. This can happen through manufacturing errors, design flaws, or when a product fails to meet safety standards. Recalls are typically the result of reports from consumers and regulatory agencies. When a recall occurs, the company is responsible for informing the public, removing the product from the market, and providing a remedy to consumers.
A recall aims to protect consumers from potential hazards while correcting or eliminating the product issue. Companies are obliged to conduct recalls in compliance with government regulations; failure to do so can result in legal action and substantial fines.
If you find that you own a product that has been recalled, it's important to take immediate action:
- You'll want to stop using the product right away.
- It's also important to document your product purchase and any correspondence regarding the recall.
- Next, contact the manufacturer or retailer directly if you have questions or need additional guidance.
- When applicable, follow the instructions to return the product or bring it to a designated service center. It's crucial to participate in the recall to avoid future risks.
- Detailed documentation of the incident, including photographs of the injury and the defective product, can significantly strengthen your product liability claim.
- Retaining the product can also be invaluable, as it may undergo expert analysis to show manufacturing defects or design flaws.
- Keeping a record of witness statements and saving receipts or proof of purchase can help link the product to the responsible parties.
What are Some Common Examples of Product Liability?
At its core, product liability law is designed to protect consumers from unsafe products and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable for defects. Grounds for a product liability claim may exist any time a dangerous or defective condition of a product leads to injury.
Common examples of product liability claims include:
- Automotive recalls or defects
- Dangerous side effects arising from the use of medication
- Airbags
- Tires
- Brakes
- Gas tanks
- Faulty car seats
- Defective medical devices
- Food poisoning
- Household appliances
- Manufacturing defects
- Smoke detectors
- Toys with choking hazards
- Heating systems
- Power tools
- Fire extinguishers
- Cribs and playpens
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by Defective Products in Savannah?
In a product liability case, any of the following parties may be subject to a product liability claim or lawsuit:
- Manufacturers
- Distributors
- Retailers
- Wholesalers
- Marketers
The nature of liability will depend on the unique circumstances that govern the case. For example, a producer will likely be responsible for any food illnesses resulting from improper ingredient handling. An automobile manufacturer may be liable for a defective component that causes injuries, such as a poorly placed gas tank that explodes on impact in low-speed, rear-end collisions.
What Damages are Available for Savannah Product Liability Claims?
A Savannah product defect attorney can help identify the parties responsible for the defective product and hold them accountable for damages. Plaintiffs in a product liability claim may be able to collect the following types of damages:
- Economic damages compensate for the material losses of the accident. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, and more.
- General damages provide reimbursement for intangible losses, such as physical pain and suffering, as well as reduced quality of life.
What Steps Should Be Taken If You've Been Injured by a Defective Product?
When injured by a defective product, the first action is to seek immediate medical attention. Timely medical care is not only critical for your health and well-being — it plays a significant role in any legal claim you may pursue later. Medical records serve as an official account of your injuries and treatment, linking the product with the harm caused.
Delaying medical treatment can not only worsen your condition but may also affect the credibility of your claim. Insurance companies or defendants might argue that the injury was not serious or was not caused by their product. By obtaining immediate medical care, you document your injuries and their severity, which is crucial in building a strong personal injury case.
Contacting a Georgia product liability attorney should be done immediately after suffering an injury from a defective product. An experienced attorney will guide you through the complex legal landscape, helping you understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. The sooner you involve an attorney, the more effectively they can preserve evidence, advise on communication with insurance companies, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Engaging with a personal injury attorney early also ensures that you don't miss important deadlines. Personal injury claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which dictate the timeframe within which you must file a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines can prohibit you from pursuing legal action altogether. An attorney will keep track of these time constraints and ensure all necessary legal steps are taken in a timely manner, protecting your interests throughout the process.
Contact Our Savannah Product Liability Lawyers Today
In the aftermath of an injury from a defective product, having an experienced lawyer by your side is invaluable. Our product liability lawyers are not only skilled in the legal aspects of personal injury cases but also serve as your trusted advisors throughout the legal process.
Butler Prather LLP takes the time to understand your situation, providing personalized advice and tailored strategies to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Our product liability lawyers will determine the parties responsible and hold them liable for the injuries they caused.
If you or a loved one recently suffered damages from using a defective product, contact Butler Prather LLP. We're ready to help victims of dangerous products in Savannah and throughout Georgia.
Contact our attorneys at (800) 242-2962 to schedule a free case evaluation.