Defective products cause injuries to consumers in America all the time. While you never expect it to happen to you or a loved one, it could. If you need a Pittsburgh product liability attorney, you can count on the knowledgeable and experienced team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman to be by your side. We will investigate your case and get to the bottom of what happened. Our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve for all of your injury-related expenses.
WHAT KIND OF PRODUCTS ARE DEFECTIVE?
When we turn to the website that tracks current recalls in the United States, we see that no industry is spared when it comes to faulty products making it to the market. We find defective items in:
- Household cleaners and cleaning products
- Toys
- Automobiles
- Car tires
- Office products
- Industrial machines
- Feminine hygiene products
- Medical appliances or devices
- Prescription drugs
- Over the counter medications
- Foods and beverages
- Tools and lawn equipment
- And more
WHAT INJURIES CAN OCCUR DUE TO USING DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS?
Faulty products can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses, including:
- Choking injuries
- Burns injuries
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Lacerations or amputations
- Internal organ damage or failure
Each of these injuries requires immediate medical attention. In many cases, a product liability victim requires long-term medical care or rehabilitation in order to make a recovery. Your Pittsburgh product liability attorney understands that victims suffer from both economic and non-economic losses such as lost income as well as emotional and psychological damages.
HOW DO DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS MAKE IT TO THE SHELVES?
We know that faulty products make it to consumers due to a few different factors. This can include:
Design problems
Most products are required to undergo testing and approval before they are allowed to hit the market. However, there are times when testing does not uncover a problem with a product’s design that renders it harmful to consumers.
Manufacturing errors
Even well-designed products can experience problems during the manufacturing phase. This can include machine malfunctions or contamination of the product.
Problems with the label
If a product has a label that is incorrect, incomplete, or misleading, consumers are put in danger. This can include a label with incomplete or incorrect instructions, missing side effects, and hazards, or incorrect ingredient lists.
HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO FILE PRODUCT LIABILITY CASES IN PITTSBURGH?
Each state is responsible for setting time limits for how long victims have to file product liability lawsuits. In Pennsylvania, the product liability statute of limitations is two years from the date an injury occurs. If an adult victim fails to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent party within this two-year timeframe, they will lose the ability to recover compensation for their losses. Minors have until their 20th birthday to file suit.
HOW WILL AN ATTORNEY HELP A PITTSBURGH PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIM?
Product liability claims in Pennsylvania can be incredibly difficult to pursue. Most victims injured due to faulty products will not have the resources necessary to conduct a full investigation into the claim to secure the compensation they deserve. However, a skilled product liability lawyer in Pittsburgh will have the resources necessary to:
- Uncover any evidence that proves the injury was caused by a defective product. This includes gathering internal company documents, evidence of others injured due to the same product, video or photo surveillance of the incident, statements from eyewitnesses, and more.
- Retain an expert engineer to examine the product and provide an opinion regarding a defect.
- Work with trusted medical professionals to ensure their client is taken care of and on the road to recovery.
- Enlist assistance from financial and economic experts to properly calculate a client’s total losses.
- Negotiate with every party involved to reach a fair settlement for the client or prepare the case for trial, if necessary, to obtain maximum compensation.
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT?
There may be various parties that can be held liable in the event a person is injured due to a defective product. This can include:
- Manufacturers of the defective product. If it can be shown that a defective design or a manufacturing error caused a defect that resulted in an injury, then the companies involved in the design and manufacturing of the product could be held liable.
- Product suppliers. If a third-party supplier sold a part or product that is defective, then they could also potentially be held liable.
- Sellers, retailers, and distributors of a product. Sellers, retailers, and distributors may not be involved in the development or manufacturing of a product, but they may still be held liable in the event they sell a defective or dangerous product.
WHAT HAPPENS MOVING FORWARD?
If you or a loved one have been harmed due to the use of a defective product, it is time to seek legal assistance. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we recognize that these cases can become incredibly complex and that you need help. Our qualified and experienced team is going to conduct a thorough investigation so you can secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- Cost of your current and future medical bills
- Recovery of income lost if you are unable to work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Punitive damages against the company or manufacturer
When you need a Pittsburgh premises liability lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.