When you buy a product, you trust that it’s safe and works as expected. While a product not living up to its claims is frustrating, it’s far worse when it malfunctions and causes serious harm—like burns, electrocution, or even more severe injuries—due to a design or manufacturing defect.
No one should bear the burden of a company’s negligence alone. If you’ve been injured by a defective product, you have the right to seek compensation. A Fall River product liability lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping you hold the manufacturer responsible and secure the justice you deserve.
What Types of Products Can Be Dangerous?
Almost any product has the potential to be defective and harmful. Here are a few common examples of products that may cause injuries:
Toys
Toys are often seen as harmless, but they can pose significant risks. Small parts can create choking hazards for children, and some toys are made from hazardous materials. If the product lacks proper warning labels and a child gets hurt, you may have a case.
Prescription Drugs
We don’t often think of prescription drugs as defective, but it happens. Sometimes, medications fail to treat the conditions they’re meant for or cause unexpected, severe side effects. In these cases, the drug manufacturer could be held liable for producing a defective product.
Contaminated Food
We’ve all had bad experiences with food, whether at a restaurant or from packaged goods. While mild food poisoning is unpleasant, there are cases where contaminated food leads to serious illness or even widespread outbreaks. If you’ve been affected, you may have a claim against the restaurant or manufacturer.
SUVs, Trucks, and Cars
Vehicle defects can be deadly. Issues like faulty brakes, airbags that don’t deploy, or inadequate rollover protection can lead to serious accidents. If you were in a crash caused by a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacture, you may be able to pursue legal action against the carmaker or parts manufacturer.
Medical Devices
When a medical device is implanted to improve health, we expect it to function properly. Unfortunately, some devices fail, causing further injury. Even if a device has FDA approval, it can still have defects. This is especially concerning for older adults, who are more likely to undergo procedures involving medical devices.
Baby Products
Recalls of baby products, like cribs and car seats, have become alarmingly common in recent years, often after serious injuries occur. If your child has been harmed by a defective baby product, you can hold the manufacturer accountable.
Bike Helmets
Designed to protect against head injuries, bike helmets can sometimes fail to do their job during an accident. If a helmet doesn’t provide the necessary protection, the manufacturer may be responsible for the injuries.
What Harm Can Defective Products Cause?
Defective products can lead to severe injuries, illnesses, or even death. Some common injuries include:
– Death
– Illness
– Spinal cord injuries
– Traumatic brain injuries
– Fractures
– Burns and scars
– Electrocution
Defective products can also result in property damage, such as:
– Fires
– Flooding
– Corrosion
– Rust
– Structural damage
How to Tell if a Product is Defective
There are several ways a product can be deemed defective:
Marketing Defects
If a product doesn’t have adequate warnings or clear usage instructions, and someone is injured as a result, the company could be held liable.
Design Defects
These affect entire product lines, not just one item. For example, if a coffee maker has a poorly placed steam valve that leads to burns, this could be considered a design flaw.
Manufacturing Defects
These occur during production and usually impact specific batches or individual items. Even if a product’s design is safe, a manufacturing error can make it dangerous.
Speak with a Fall River Product Liability Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective product, it’s important to seek legal advice. Our experienced Fall River product liability lawyer can review your case and help you understand your options.
For a free consultation, call our Fall River office at 508-555-1234, or stop by in person. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
