What to Know About Defective Product Injury Claims
We interact with dozens of household items every single day. We plug in coffee makers, sit in chairs, clean our countertops with chemical sprays, and give our children toys. We naturally expect that these items will be safe to use as directed, but unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. If you’ve been hurt by a defective product, even though you used it as instructed, you could have grounds for a product defect lawsuit. Learn more about these claims and what to do if you find yourself injured.
What Is a Defective Household Product?
A defective household product is an item that poses an unreasonable risk of harm to consumers. Under product liability law, defective products generally fall into three distinct categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects. All of these issues can lead to defective product injury claims if the victim has enough evidence showing the product caused them harm.
What Household Products Can Cause Injuries?
Almost any item can become dangerous if it’s poorly designed or assembled, but certain categories are more likely to lead to a malfunctioning product lawsuit. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Small kitchen appliances like air fryers and slow cookers.
- Furniture and large appliances that could be tipping hazards.
- Cleaning supplies and household chemicals without proper warning labels.
- Children’s toys and nursery equipment with detachable parts.
What Kinds of Injuries Come From Household Products?
Attorneys work with clients who have sustained all kinds of dangerous household product injuries. If you’ve sustained any of these types of injuries, you might have a case for compensation:
- Burns—Electrical malfunctions in appliances often cause severe burns and electrocution. Defective lithium-ion batteries in electronics can also overheat and catch fire, leading to serious burns and permanent scarring.
- Trauma and Broken Bones—Structural failures in furniture or exercise equipment can result in blunt force trauma. When a chair collapses or a treadmill belt suddenly stops, users frequently suffer broken bones, lacerations, and other traumatic injuries.
- Chemical Exposure—If you were exposed to certain chemicals, you might be left with respiratory issues, chemical burns, and, in severe cases, vision loss.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injury?
Product liability law allows you to hold multiple parties in the supply chain accountable for your injuries. Working with a product liability attorney is the best way to figure out which of these parties should be held liable in the lawsuit:
- The product manufacturer
- The parts supplies
- Retailers
- Distributors
What Steps Can I Take After an Injury?
The aftermath of an injury can be chaotic and scary, but the actions you take now can have a dramatic impact on the success of your case later on. First and foremost, seek medical attention and ensure there’s a record of your injury. If you’re able to do so, preserve the defective product. Don’t throw anything away, and don’t attempt to fix it. Keep all of the original packaging, instruction manuals, and receipts. Then, document the scene where the injury happened. This means taking clear photographs of the product, your injuries, and the location of the incident. Being intentional right after the accident can help your legal team build a stronger case for consumer injury compensation.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Product liability cases are notoriously complex. Large manufacturing companies often have aggressive legal teams to defend against consumer claims. But don’t forego compensation out of fear. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer levels the playing field. The team at Nava Law Group, P.C. will handle the entire investigation process and calculate the full extent of your damages. We’ll handle all of the communications, especially with insurance adjusters, and make it easier for you to focus on recovery. Contact us today and let us know more about your claim or product recall injury lawsuit.
FAQs for a Product Liability Attorney in Texas
For any product liability claim, including those concerning manufacturer negligence, Texans have two years from the date of the injury to file. Waiting even one day past this deadline can result in a judge dismissing your case permanently.
While a receipt is helpful for proving where and when the item was purchased, a personal injury lawyer can often establish the origin of the product through bank statements, credit card records, or the product’s unique serial number. A receipt isn’t usually required.
Yes, you can still file a lawsuit if a product was recalled. A product recall actually serves as strong evidence that the manufacturer knew the item was defective and dangerous.
Victims of defective products can typically recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover financial losses like hospital bills, physical therapy, and lost income, while non-economic damages provide compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life.
