When you make a purchase you expect that what you purchased will work as intended. Whether it is a car or a dishwasher, when you spend your hard earned money on a product you expect that it will work effectively and with no safety issues. However, products don’t always operate as they were supposed to. When a consumer good fails to meet these expectations due to defects or misinformation, it can lead to serious injuries, or even fatalities. These issues are where product liability law comes into play, offering protection to consumers and holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for any harm that may be caused by a defective product.
What is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal obligation of sellers or manufacturers to ensure their products are safe for consumer use. Here in Utah, as in other states, the laws surrounding product liability are designed to protect consumers from harm resulting from defective or dangerous products. If a product causes injury then you, the consumer, has the right to seek compensation through product liability claims.
How Does a Product Liability Case Work?
Product liability cases typically revolve around three main types of product defects, these are:
Design Defects:
A design defect is an inherent flaw in the product’s design that would make it unsafe. This means that even if the product is manufactured perfectly according to the specifications of its design, the design itself is dangerous.
Manufacturing Defects:
A manufacturing defect occurs during the product’s construction or production. This could mean that the defect might only affect a single unit or a batch of the products, differing from the original design.
Marketing Defects:
Also known as “failure to warn,” these defects arise when a manufacturer or company creates a product that lacks adequate instructions or warnings about its use, possibly leading to unsafe usage.
Holding Companies Liable
Companies can be held liable for product liability under several theories, including:
- Negligence: Showing that the company failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, or marketing the product.
- Strict Liability: Proving that the product was defective, regardless of the manufacturer’s intent or negligence. This theory does not require the plaintiff to prove fault, only that the defect exists and has caused harm.
- Breach of Warranty: Failing to fulfill the terms of a promise, claim, or representation made about the quality or type of product.
Why You Need a Product Liability Lawyer
Navigating a product liability lawsuit requires a deep understanding of complex legal and technical issues. These legal terms and knowledge can prove difficult to handle on your own, but hiring an experienced product liability lawyer can help by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation to identify the defect and link it to your injuries.
- Gathering the necessary evidence to build you a strong case, this includes reaching out to experts to gather testimonies, and looking at other cases that may be similar to bolster the strength of your case.
- A product liability lawyer knows how to navigate the legal system to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for the injuries that you have received.
At LifeLaw Personal Injury, we are dedicated to protecting consumers in Utah from the harm caused by any defective products. Out team of experienced product liability lawyers understands the devastating impact these products can have on individuals and families. We are committed to holding companies accountable for their actions and securing the compensation that you deserve. If you or a loved on has been injured by a defective product, contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss your options. Let us get you the help you deserve and navigate the complexities of product liability law and fight for the justice you deserve.