Consumer products are integral to our daily lives, whether at home, work, or leisure. We often use manufactured goods without considering the potential dangers they might pose.
Unfortunately, defective products cause serious injuries or even death to thousands of Americans every year. Companies responsible for designing, producing, and selling these products must ensure their safety or provide warnings about any inherent dangers.
When they fail, they must compensate the victims affected by their defective products.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our Hilton Head defective products attorneys have the expertise and dedication to help you get the compensation you deserve. We understand the complexities of product safety and have the experience to fight for the rights of individuals who have suffered life-changing injuries due to unsafe products.
If a defective product has caused your injuries, we are here to help.
Why Choose Our Hilton Head Defective Product Attorneys to Seek Justice for a Defective Product?
Before deciding to hire a Hilton Head personal injury attorney for your defective product case, it’s crucial to choose one that not only aims to secure the compensation you deserve but also values your case and treats you with respect. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm stands out for its professional legal services and exceptional client care.
Our firm has garnered high praise from former clients, reflected in numerous positive testimonials that highlight our commitment to exceptional service standards. During your free consultation, you’re encouraged to inquire about our successful track record in securing financial recoveries for defective product cases, which demonstrates our ability to handle your case effectively.
We boast a dedicated team of experienced defective product lawyers who specialize in this area and are committed to achieving justice for those harmed by faulty products. Furthermore, our financial arrangement ensures that you pay nothing upfront.
We entirely cover the costs of pursuing your case, and our fees are contingent upon winning your case. This no-upfront-cost policy aligns our goals directly with yours, ensuring that we are fully committed to securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
How Does Our Hilton Head Defective Product Law Firm Prove Product Liability?
There are several legal theories under which an attorney might bring a product liability claim to show that a party in the manufacturing chain is liable. These include:
Strict Liability
Under strict liability, it must be established that the product was defective and that the consumer suffered an injury. There is no need to prove negligence; the focus is solely on the defect and the harm caused.
Negligence
The consumer must prove that the manufacturer failed to use reasonable care in designing or manufacturing the product. This involves demonstrating that the manufacturer’s actions or omissions were not up to standard, leading to the defect and subsequent injury.
Breach of Warranty
A breach of warranty claim is based on the theory that the product did not work as the manufacturer promised. This can be a breach of express warranties (explicit promises about the product) or implied warranties (basic assurances that the product is fit for its intended use).
Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation involves the manufacturer hiding, concealing, or misleading the consumer to believe that the product is safe when it is not. This can include false advertising, omissions of crucial information, or other deceptive practices.
Our team will thoroughly investigate your case and collect evidence to establish these key points, ensuring we build a strong argument to support your product liability claim.
What is a Product Liability Lawsuit?
A product liability lawsuit is a legal action against manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, or retailers of products that cause injury or damage due to being defective. These lawsuits can arise from design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings or instructions.
The objective of such a lawsuit is to hold the responsible parties accountable for distributing a product that was not safe for its intended use or did not meet reasonable safety standards.
Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the defective product. This legal claim is crucial in ensuring consumer safety and accountability, as it can also prompt companies to enforce stricter quality control and improve product safety.
In essence, a product liability lawsuit not only seeks justice for the injured party but also serves as a deterrent against corporate negligence and helps to protect future consumers from harm.
Items Commonly Involved in Defective Products Lawsuits
While defects in almost any product can lead to serious injuries, certain categories are more frequently subject to product liability lawsuits. Examples include:
- Pharmaceuticals: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Motor Vehicles: Including cars, motorcycles, and trucks.
- Medical Devices: Such as hip and breast implants.
- Children’s Products: Including toys, cribs, car seats, and strollers.
- Heavy Machinery: Used in industrial and construction settings.
- Power Tools: Including saws, drills, and other tools.
- Household Appliances: These include microwaves, refrigerators, and washing machines.
- Construction Materials: For example, Chinese drywall.
- Electrical Devices: Including consumer electronics and household gadgets.
- Ladders: Used for household and commercial purposes.
- Recreational Vehicles: Such as bicycles and ATVs.
How Long Do You Have to File a Product Liability Lawsuit in Hilton Head, South Carolina?
In Hilton Head, South Carolina, the statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits is three years. This means you must commence legal proceedings within three years from the date of your injury caused by a faulty product.
In the unfortunate event of a fatality due to a defective product, the executor of the deceased’s estate has a three-year window from the date of death to initiate a wrongful death claim. However, if a government entity is a defendant, you have a shorter timeframe of two years from the date of harm to file your lawsuit.
The state also incorporates a discovery rule that extends the statute of limitations if your injuries were not immediately apparent. This often occurs in defective pharmaceutical cases, where the adverse effects may not manifest until several years after initial consumption.
In such instances, you have three years from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered your injuries to initiate a claim.
What Can You Claim? Exploring Recoverable Damages for Product Liability
Severe harm can result from illnesses and injuries caused by defective consumer goods, medical equipment, or other faulty products. In Hilton Head, we often see victims of such defective products endure:
Professional Damages
Injury or infection from a defective product can lead to significant professional setbacks. You may lose income, bonuses, and earning power.
Additionally, prolonged inability to work due to your condition can result in losing professional opportunities and benefits. The longer your recovery period, the more substantial the professional and financial impacts.
Compensation for professional damages can help cover lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and lost employment benefits, ensuring that you are not financially burdened due to an injury or illness caused by a defective product.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering encompass physical and emotional distress resulting from an injury or illness caused by a defective product. This includes chronic pain, psychological trauma, emotional distress, and a decreased quality of life.
Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and other clinical conditions due to their suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address the non-economic impacts of your injury, acknowledging the profound effects on your overall well-being and daily life.
Seeking justice ensures these intangible but significant damages are recognized and compensated appropriately.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses related to a defective product injury or illness can be overwhelming. These costs include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments.
Ensuring you receive compensation for these medical expenses is crucial to cover immediate and long-term healthcare needs. By recovering these costs, you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of medical bills, ensuring that your financial stability is maintained during treatment and rehabilitation.
Disability-Related Damages
If a defective product results in a disability, the impact on your life can be profound and far-reaching. Compensation for disability-related damages includes costs for mobility gadgets, home modifications, and disability-friendly vehicles.
Additionally, it covers the permanent loss of income due to your inability to work. Ensuring that you receive these damages helps you adapt to your new circumstances, providing the necessary support to maintain your quality of life and independence despite the challenges posed by your disability.
Wrongful Death Damages
Defective products can cause fatalities in the most tragic cases. If you have lost a loved one due to a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death damages.
This includes funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of guidance, and the emotional toll on surviving family members. Compensation seeks to address the financial and emotional hardships resulting from the loss, providing support during a devastating time.
Pursuing justice for your loved one ensures accountability and helps alleviate some burdens grieving families face.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hilton Head, South Carolina Defective Product Lawsuit?
While many people automatically blame the manufacturer for a product’s defects, several entities may be liable for injuries sustained by a defective product. Identifying all liable parties can be challenging, depending on the specific product involved.
However, at Joye Law Firm, our South Carolina defective products attorneys take the time to gather all necessary evidence surrounding your case to ensure that you file a claim against all potentially liable individuals, increasing the likelihood of a full recovery for your injuries.
Chain of Distribution
The best way to achieve a successful outcome in your defective product liability lawsuit is to identify all parties involved in creating, distributing, and marketing the product. This is commonly referred to as the Chain of Distribution.
Key entities that may be held liable include:
- Manufacturers: This includes the company that produced the product and any manufacturers of parts.
- Distributors: Any individual or company moving the product from the manufacturer to the retailer.
- Retailers: The store or online platform where the product was purchased.
- Wholesalers: Intermediaries who sell products in bulk to retailers or other distributors.
Discuss Your Case With Our Hilton Head Defective Product Lawyers Today!
Have you been injured in a serious accident? Did you lose a family member or loved one due to someone else’s negligence? Our Hilton Head defective product lawyers invite you to reach out for a free case evaluation.
When you contact us, we can discuss your legal options, build a case that protects your rights, and investigate every aspect of your claim.
Typically, you have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim in Hilton Head, SC. Don’t delay—contact our legal team today to discuss your case.
Speaking with a skilled personal injury lawyer is free. Contact our Hilton Head Defective Product Accident Lawyer at (864) 664-3865 to schedule a 100% free case evaluation.
