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As consumers, we expect the products and devices we buy to work, not to put us in harm’s way. Sometimes, though, products can result in major injuries. In these cases, the victim may have the opportunity to take legal action to seek compensation for their losses.
If you have been harmed, a Chattanooga defective product lawyer from CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can help.
Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers are obligated under state law to ensure the products they release are safe for consumers. If any of those parties attempt to cut corners to save money or otherwise act in a grossly negligent manner, everyday people are put at risk.
Our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in product liability laws in Chattanooga. We have successfully represented defective product victims and are prepared to help you seek the compensation you need to get your life back in order.
The Benefits of Hiring a Chattanooga Defective Product Attorney
While you could pursue a product liability claim without an attorney, that is not advisable. Large corporations and insurance companies will try to do whatever they can to reduce or deny your compensation.
With an attorney by your side, you can rest assured that someone well-versed in liability laws is standing up for you and your rights.
- Gather all evidence — Proving a product is defective can be challenging. Fortunately, your lawyer will have access to all of the resources necessary to collect the evidence that could prove how the manufacturer, distributor, or seller made the product dangerous.
- Identify the liable party — While manufacturers are most often found to be at fault for a dangerous product, there is a chance it could be a different party. By reviewing the evidence and determining the origin of the neglect, your attorney can determine who you should consider taking legal action against in the pursuit of compensation for your losses.
- Value your losses — Every product liability claim is different. Your claim will have a valuation that is unique to your losses. A lawyer will work with you to determine what those losses are and what you should reasonably consider accepting if your claim goes the settlement route.
- Handle negotiations — Insurance companies often look to settle claims outside of court to reduce court fees and their payout. An attorney who is skilled in product liability law will ensure you are not undercut by a company only looking to protect its bottom line. If negotiations are not fruitful, they will explain your options for filing a lawsuit.
- Avoid costly mistakes — Defective product claims are notoriously complex. In order to avoid errors that could reduce your compensation or delay the claims process, it is crucial to consider hiring an attorney to handle all documentation.
It’s normal to feel apprehensive about seeking legal representation. When you come to our law firm, you can feel confident that your claim is in good hands.
Injured in Chattanooga? Contact The CEO Lawyer
Followed by millions on social media, attorney Ali Awad knows how to bring legal power to the people, and he knows the factors to focus on to get results. Few people have the legal knowledge to aggressively pursue their own claims, but our attorneys have extensive experience handling defective product claims.
We are aware of the unique challenges these types of claims present, and we are prepared to use our resources to give you the best chance of recovery.
While pursuing a claim may seem overwhelming, we will talk you through your options after a thorough evaluation of your situation. If you choose to pursue a claim with our help, we will be by your side every step of the way with the goal of helping you receive the compensation you need to move past this accident as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Examples of Dangerous Products
Any product can be defective. However, some products and equipment on the market come with more risks than others.
When a mistake is made somewhere along the line before the item gets to the consumer, serious injuries can occur. Some of the most common defective products include cars, drugs, and medical devices.
Faulty Car Parts
You’ve probably heard commercials on television about recalled vehicles. Every year, tens of millions of vehicles are recalled because of safety concerns.
Consumers are advised to contact their car’s manufacturer if a defect is discovered. If, however, a person is in an accident because of a faulty car part that was not known about, they may have a claim.
The most common vehicle defects include faulty seatbelts, airbags, steering mechanisms, and fuel systems. A number of parties may be responsible for a defective vehicle, including the parts distributor, the manufacturer, and the dealership that sold the car.
Defective Drugs and Medical Devices
New medications and medical devices are constantly pushed on the market. While many of these allow consumers to manage medical conditions, there are instances where a defective drug or device causes severe harm or even death.
Like vehicles, drugs are recalled all of the time because of dangers posed to public safety. The largest pharmaceutical companies in the country are often at fault for defective medications and equipment, including Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Merck.
While those might be the most commonly defective products, the list is by no means exhaustive. No matter what product caused your injuries, we can evaluate your situation and advise whether you should pursue compensation for your losses.
Negligence and Defective Products in Tennessee
Product liability laws are established at the state level. Your lawyer will be well-versed in Tennessee law so that your claim has the best chance of success.
When an attorney builds a product liability case on your behalf, there are numerous elements they will look to build, including:
- Unreasonable danger — Product liability victims are required to prove that the product that injured them was unreasonably dangerous. Tennessee recognizes unreasonable danger as something more dangerous than the average consumer would expect.
- The type of defect — Three types of defects are recognized in Tennessee:
- Manufacturing defects occur during the time of production.
- Design defects occur prior to the manufacturing process.
- Marketing defects occur when a product is released to consumers without adequate safety warnings.
- Strict liability — Strict liability holds manufacturers accountable for their products, regardless of whether they were negligent in the planning, designing, or construction. Injured parties are only required to prove that they did not misuse the product prior to their accident.
It is important to note that defective product claims are subject to a statute of limitations. Individuals seeking compensation in or around Chattanooga only have one year from the date of their accident to take legal action.
In some cases, this deadline can be extended based on certain circumstances, like a victim who is a minor or someone who did not notice their injury until later.
In the event the statute of limitations passes, victims are no longer eligible for compensation except in rare circumstances. Tennessee law also stipulates that all product liability claims must be filed within ten years of the product first being sold.
Because of all these factors, it is critical that you move fast after you have suffered an injury or illness from a consumer product.
Compensation for Product Liability Claims
Defective products can cost consumers millions collectively and sometimes individually.
If you have been injured by a dangerous product and are now dealing with significant losses, filing a claim under the guidance of an attorney can put you on the path to recovering compensation for your losses. You may be eligible for economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages, depending on the situation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover calculable losses, including current and future medical bills, current and future lost wages, and property damage. To determine a fair valuation for your economic damages, your lawyer will collect copies of your medical bills, wage statements, and any other applicable receipts or statements relating to your accident.
They will also consider any future costs you will need to pay to recover as fully as possible.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages are harder to calculate, as they are related to more subjective losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In order to determine what you can reasonably seek in noneconomic damages, you and your lawyer will discuss the impact the accident has had on your life and will continue to have for years to come.
The more significant your injuries and financial losses, the more compensation for which you may be eligible.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rarely awarded for product liability claims; however, they are not unheard of. In the event the at-fault party was grossly negligent, you may be entitled to punitive damages.
Gross negligence could look like a manufacturer knowing about the defect and not taking action, attempting to hide misconduct, or proof that corners were cut to save money. Punitive damages serve to punish the at-fault party for their actions and discourage companies from taking similar actions in the future.
Learn About Your Rights With a Chattanooga Defective Product Law Firm
When a defective product is released on the market because of a company’s negligence, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their losses. If you have been harmed in an accident involving a defective product, a Chattanooga defective product lawyer from CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can explain your rights and help you determine how best to proceed to protect your future.
We understand the complexities of product liability law, and we aren’t afraid to go up against insurance companies. We are here to fight on your behalf so large companies don’t take advantage of consumers.
The sooner you get in touch with an attorney from our firm, the more time we will have to investigate your situation and build a case that proves you were wronged. Schedule a consultation online via our contact page today, or call (423) 777-8888 to learn more.