Every single one of us is a consumer. We use products designed, manufactured, and distributed by familiar companies on any given day. As consumers, we expect these products to be reasonably safe for everyday use. Unfortunately, not all companies take their commitment to safety seriously. Instead, they manufacture and distribute hazardous products that can put your and your family’s health and safety at risk.
At Bullock Ward Mason, LLC, we pride ourselves on being able to help consumers obtain justice and compensation when a defective product causes them harm. Our experienced product liability lawyers have secured over $1 billion for our clients in verdicts and settlements. We want to help do the same for you.
If a defective product has hurt you, call our office today at (833) 296-5291 to arrange an initial consultation with a mass tort attorney. Let’s discuss your situation and your legal options for pursuing the compensation you and your family deserve.
Why You Need an Experienced Product Liability Attorney
Unfortunately, product liability claims can be complex. Pursuing compensation for your injuries can be challenging because of the complex legalities governing product liability cases. People injured by a product often feel overwhelmed by the prospect of going head-to-head with an influential or well-known company. Do not let your fear of the road ahead stop you from seeking the compensation you deserve for your financial losses.
An experienced product liability attorney can guide you through the ins and outs of filing a lawsuit against a careless company or manufacturer. At Bullock Ward Mason, LLC, our knowledgeable mass tort lawyers have the experience and resources to tackle the most challenging product liability cases. We are unafraid to go up against powerful corporate entities on your behalf. Our attorneys fight for you by:
- Conducting a complete investigation into the circumstances of the accident
- Identifying all parties potentially liable for your injuries
- Gathering evidence to prove the product is defective or lacks adequate instructions or warnings
- Manage communication between you and others involved in the case
- Accurately calculate your financial losses
- Aggressively negotiate for the compensation you deserve
- Prepare a case for court when necessary
We aim to build a compelling case backed by evidence that offers you the best opportunity to recover the money you need to move forward with your life.
What Is Product Liability?
Companies are constantly trying to create cutting-edge and innovative products that consumers crave. The need for increased earnings and growing profit margins drives many companies to push the envelope when innovating new and exciting products. Unfortunately, in a rush to beat the competition and get products into your hands as quickly as possible, some companies allow testing and safety to fall by the wayside, either intentionally or unintentionally. When this happens, unsafe or dangerous products can enter the consumer marketplace, causing accidents and injuries for unsuspecting consumers.
When products cannot live up to strict safety guidelines and subsequently cause injuries to a consumer, that consumer may hold the company or manufacturer accountable through a product liability lawsuit. All products must be considered reasonably safe for their intended use and include labeling that warns consumers of potential injuries if the product is not used correctly.
Types of Product Liability Cases We Handle
Product liability is an umbrella term. Technically, there are several different classifications of product liability cases. At Bullock Ward Mason, LLC, our legal team is well-versed in handling the challenging legal aspects of various product liability cases. Types of product liability cases we can assist you in resolving include:
- Defective Design Cases – Products that fall under the defective design category include anything with a flaw in its basic idea, concept, composition, or design. Defectively designed products are manufactured correctly. The problem lies in the flawed concept or design of the product. The inherent defect in design means the entire product line poses a danger to consumers.
- Manufacturing Defect Cases – Manufacturing defects occur during the production of a product. The general design and concept of the product is solid. However, variations or flaws in the manufacturing process create product defects, impacting the item’s safety. Manufacturing defects can happen when a problem or mistake occurs on the production line, like a problem with manufacturing equipment or a flaw in the materials used. Ultimately, this flaw renders the product hazardous. In most cases, manufacturing defects do not impact an entire product line, only products created in the timeframe when there was an error on the manufacturing line.
- Failure to Warn Cases – Although some people find their products’ giant tags and warning labels annoying, they are there for a good reason. Companies and manufacturers must include detailed instructions on their products’ proper care and usage. These labels typically also include warnings about foreseeable dangers and side effects associated with the product.
- Toxic Hair Relaxer Lawsuit – Some hair relaxer products have been linked to cancer in their users.
Common Injuries Suffered in Product Liability Accidents
Unsafe products can cause a wide range of injuries and medical complications. These injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to cancer. Some injuries can be life-altering and even life-threatening. The most common types of injuries consumers suffer in product liability accidents tend to include the following:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Amputations, especially fingers, and toes
- Soft tissue damage
- Organ damage
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Ovarian cancer
- Canalicular stenosis
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
If a defective or dangerous product hurts you, seek medical attention immediately. If possible, keep all the pieces and packaging of the defective product and contact an attorney for help.
Proving Product Liability
The good news for consumers is that some state laws do not require you to provide proof of purchase to file a product liability lawsuit against a company or manufacturer. Combing through crumpled receipts is the last thing you want to do when pursuing a product liability case. However, the burden is on you to prove four main elements to hold the company accountable for compensating you.
First, you must demonstrate the product had a defect or was dangerous at the time of your injury. Next, you must also show the court that the product’s defective condition was responsible for causing a significant injury or death. Additionally, you must prove that you used the product correctly as the manufacturer intended. The final detail relevant in product liability cases means proving that the product was in the same condition when it left the manufacturer. That means you must prove you did nothing to alter or change the product.
In most cases, you do not need to prove that the company or manufacturer was negligent in some capacity. A manufacturer can be held responsible for injuries caused by defective products, regardless of carelessness or negligence in states that have strict liability laws
Compensation Available in Product Liability Cases
A defective or dangerous product can cause devastating injuries, impacting your life in profound ways you may not expect. In addition to coping with physical injuries, you may experience financial fallout and instability as you struggle to recover and return to work. Although the value of your case depends on numerous factors, those injured by unsafe products may pursue compensation to cover their financial losses. Generally, you may be able to seek money for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
In rare cases, a judge may also impose punitive damages. This money goes to you in addition to compensatory damages, which cover your financial losses. Punitive damages do not compensate you for your injuries. Instead, they are a form of financial punishment handed down to a company or manufacturer for egregious conduct.
Product Liability Statute of Limitations
Under most circumstances, you have two years from the date of injury to file a product liability lawsuit. Under the statute of repose, you could file a lawsuit after the two-year statute of limitations period expires if you didn’t discover the injury until after that expiration. However, product liability lawsuits must typically be filed within ten years of the product’s first sale. Failing to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations or repose expires can result in the dismissal of your case. When that occurs, you have few options for recovering the compensation you need.
Understanding the specifics of product liability statutes of limitations and statutes of repose can be challenging. When you realize a defective or dangerous product was responsible for your injuries, call an experienced product liability attorney.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Product Liability Attorney Today
Holding a company or manufacturer accountable in a product liability case takes a specific skill set. At Bullock Ward Mason, LLC, our seasoned product liability lawyers know what it takes to build a strong case. We want the opportunity to help you recover the money you deserve if a defective product has impacted your life.
For more information on how we may be able to help you, call our office today at (833) 296-5291. We’re bold women moving mountains, and we’re ready to get to work for you. Let’s arrange an initial legal consultation today.
Bullock Ward Mason, LLC has attorneys in:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Illinois
- Texas
- New Mexico
- Washington