We buy products because we intend to use them, not get hurt by them. When a product causes serious damage or injuries to someone because of inherent and preventable flaws, there are a number of parties along the manufacturing chain that could be held accountable. If you have been harmed, a Georgia defective product lawyer from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is prepared to help.
Any time a manufacturer, distributor, or seller violates their duty to ensure the reasonable safety of their products, someone could get hurt. When someone does, the at-fault party can be held accountable for the resulting losses. In addition, the injured victim may be eligible for compensation to manage their related ongoing expenses.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our injury and accident attorneys are well-versed in defective product law. We have successfully represented accident victims in numerous situations, and we are here for you to provide quality legal guidance and representation. For more information, contact us online or call (470) 323-8779.
Work With an Experienced Georgia Defective Product Attorney
At The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling all types of personal injury claims, including those involving defective or dangerous products. When you hire us to represent you, we will fight to ensure you are awarded what you need to get your life back in order.
To do this, a major focus of your claim will be determining liability. There are three types of liability to be aware of in defective product claims:
- Negligence
- Breach of warranty
- Strict liability
In a defective product claim, negligence means the manufacturer or another party within the supply chain failed to act with reasonable care to ensure the product was safe for consumers to use. Breach of warranty occurs when manufacturers fail to provide express or implied assurance regarding the safety and adequacy of their product. Finally, strict liability is a legal theory that deems a manufacturer responsible for all injuries and damages caused by a defective product.
Learning the ins and outs of a defective product claim can seem overwhelming at first. That’s why we are here to walk you through your options, determine how and why you were injured, identify the negligent party, and put an appropriate value on your claim. All of the information we collect will ultimately go toward the goal of seeking the compensation you need to recover from your losses.
When You Have Been Hurt, Hire the CEO Lawyer Team
There are numerous benefits associated with hiring an attorney when a defective product has injured you. For starters, when manufacturers, distributors, and sellers are involved, it can be hard to determine who to hold liable for your injuries. Any party that played a role in developing the defective item could potentially be deemed liable. Sometimes, multiple parties are to blame.
When you work with an attorney, they will investigate your case details to identify the defendants who most likely hold liability. They will then compile the necessary evidence to prove fault. Your lawyer will collect blueprints, schematics, purchase records, shipping manifests, product safety documentation, and more to show proof of a design or manufacturing defect. Depending on the situation, they may need to file a motion for discovery to obtain any information that is being intentionally withheld. With all of the available evidence, your lawyer will be able to mitigate disputes that could otherwise lead to receiving less than you deserve.
Your lawyer will also help you avoid costly mistakes. When you are dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma, it is possible you could fail to use the most beneficial strategy, potentially harming your case. The opposing party could use something as seemingly minor as missing a doctor’s appointment, for example, or failing to fill a prescription to allege you are not as injured as you say you are. You could also post something on social media that is misconstrued by the opposing party. Your attorney can not only help you avoid these common mistakes, but they can also provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions throughout the entirety of your case.
Determining Fault for a Defective Product Claim
Defective product laws are established at the state level. In Georgia, product manufacturers are held to the standard of strict liability. This means that if a manufacturer sells a dangerous or defective product and someone is injured, the manufacturer may be held accountable for damages.
While most manufacturers make every effort to abide by their duty of care, the ones that do not often put profits before safety, instead of making safe products, they cut corners to make products that are cheap to produce. Those companies make more money while putting consumers at risk.
When it comes to building a successful claim against a negligent manufacturer, there are elements you need to prove, including:
- You were injured or suffered losses.
- The product is defective.
- The defect caused your injury.
- You were using the product as it was intended.
Once those elements are established, your lawyer can work on determining the type of defective claim you will file. The most common claims are filed for manufacturing errors, design defects, and failure to warn.
In some instances, manufacturers are forced to recall dangerous products. If you have been injured by a product that was recalled after your accident, you may still have a defective product claim worth pursuing. Our lawyers are here to help.
Examples of Dangerous Products
Anything you purchase is considered a product. From vehicles and tools to home goods and medications, there is a risk that what you buy could be dangerous. Let us look at some of the most common examples of defective products.
Vehicle Defects
There have been numerous defective product cases involving automotive defects. Some of the most common include faulty airbags, fuel systems, seatbelts, and other problems that put drivers and passengers at risk.
Several parties may be held responsible for a defective vehicle, including the vehicle manufacturer, auto part distributor, or another third party. Who you take legal action against depends on your attorney’s investigation.
Dangerous Drugs
Major drug companies are supposed to ensure the drugs they make and distribute help sick people, not make situations worse. However, there have been instances where big pharmaceutical companies, like Pfizer, Merck, or Johnson & Johnson, have sold dangerous drugs—sometimes knowingly.
For example, Johnson & Johnson, in partnership with Bayer, released a drug marketed to help people with heart problems called Xarelto. It was not long until doctors and patients discovered the drug could cause severe bleeding. Litigation for the case is ongoing, as are similar cases for drugs like Zantac, a heartburn-alleviating medicine suspected to cause cancer.
Medical Devices
Medical devices are used to address complex medical cases, often seeking to restore the functionality of a body part that lies at the root of the issue. Joint replacements, hernia mesh, transvaginal mesh, and other devices are commonly named in lawsuits concerning defective medical products, as are certain types of breast implants.
Defective Consumer Products
Product failures can involve any type of consumer item. Workplace machinery, a tea kettle, or some other item could fail and cause serious injury or death. In most instances, defective consumer products fall back on manufacturer responsibility under Georgia defective product law.
Seek to Maximize Your Recovery With a Georgia Defective Product Lawyer
Research, investigation, and litigation are crucial to the success of a defective product claim. If an unsafe consumer product has put your life on hold, you need a legal team that understands strict liability law and how it may apply to your case.
When you reach out to the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, you will be met with caring, knowledgeable attorneys who want to help you get your life back in order. With their breadth of knowledge, they will be able to investigate your claim and evaluate your most appropriate options for recovering compensation for your losses.
While you have the right to pursue a claim on your own, doing so will likely put your compensation in jeopardy. With a Georgia defective products lawyer by your side, you may be eligible for damages covering the following:
- Compensatory damages — Compensatory damages are intended to make the injured party “whole” again after an accident.
- Special damages — Special damages, also known as economic losses, are calculable expenses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage costs.
- General damages — General damages are also referred to as non-economic losses, as they are based on more subjective losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment in life.
It is also important to note that while most defective product cases resolve via negotiations, there is a chance you could need to take your case to court to get the monetary award you deserve. With an attorney by your side, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the lawsuit process and know what to expect throughout the entire civil trial proceeding.
Get Help From the CEO Lawyer in Georgia
Product manufacturers, distributors, and sellers owe a duty of care to consumers. If you have been injured in an accident involving a defective or dangerous product, a Georgia defective product lawyer from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can be there for you and your family to help you recover.
Accident victims need to understand their legal rights and options after an accident. Insurance companies for large corporations will often try to dismiss a claim or settle for as little as possible. When you have an experienced attorney by your side, it is more likely you will see full and fair compensation for your injuries.
The sooner you get in touch with one of our injury and accident attorneys, the better your chances are of pursuing a successful claim or lawsuit. We have a high success rate, and we are ready to take on your case next. To get started, schedule a consultation today by filling out our online form or call us at (470) 323-8779.
