The Truth Behind Product Liability Claims

27 Jan The Truth Behind Product Liability Claims

When people talk about healthcare, they often talk about how lawsuits increase the costs. If you made a list of dangerous drugs that were withdrawn from the market only after people started suing, it would be very long. Prescription drugs are just one of the products that are covered under product liability law. This law ensures that manufacturers cannot release something onto the market and claim its safe without being held responsible for that product.

Some of the most dangerous products on the market are tools. These products are simply dangerous when they’re used exactly as intended. There’s no such thing as a safe table saw, for instance. The manufacturers of these devices have to ensure, however, that the products they manufacture are labeled clearly as to their hazards and that they’re made as safe as possible. Product liability lawsuits sometimes involve products that are dangerous under normal circumstances, but which are also manufactured to poor standards that result in them being even more dangerous than need be the case.

Designs can also be dangerous and manufacturers can be held responsible for this. Cars that have design flaws that cause them to go out of control, roll over or have other issues have all led to product liability suits in the past. Some of the people harmed by these products have endured a lot of pain and suffering and this is usually a part of the claim. Oftentimes, the cost of whatever product harmed them is also part of the suit, as are the costs of their medical expenses and lost wages. When you see product liability claims that result in a very high jury award, it’s sometimes because a lot of that reward is going straight toward controlling the damage caused by the product.

If you need to talk to a lawyer about a product liability claim, look for one that works on contingency. These attorneys usually offer free consultations. Because this area of the law is sometimes misunderstood, it’s a good way to make sure you actually have a valid claim without being billed for the attorney’s time immediately. If you do have a claim, a contingency lawyer will take it and only charge you if they win. This is a good situation if you don’t have money, and the quality of the representation is absolutely on par with any attorney you’d pay upfront.