When you buy a product, you expect it to work correctly. However, defective products sometimes make their way into the hands of consumers. In the worst-case scenarios, these products harm consumers.
If you are injured due to a defective product in Columbia, the Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help. We can connect you with a Columbia personal injury lawyer who can help you determine if now is the right time to seek damages. If so, we can serve as your legal representation during your product liability lawsuit.
Laws Are in Place to Punish Those That Sell Defective Products in Columbia
It is illegal for anyone to knowingly sell a defective product in South Carolina. If a seller offers a defective product to consumers, this party can be held liable for any injuries that occur. This means you may be able to sue a seller if you buy a product that turns out to be defective and causes an injury.
A Columbia product liability lawyer can review your claim. To do so, the lawyer will look at several factors, including:
- How the defective product ultimately caused or contributed to your injury
- The costs associated with your injury
- The impact of your injury on your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing
If you decide to file a lawsuit, your lawyer will handle this process for you. The best product liability attorney in Columbia will make sure your lawsuit is filed in accordance with South Carolina’s statute of limitations of three years. From here, your attorney will help you build your case.
How Damages Are Requested in a Columbia Product Liability Lawsuit
You can request economic and non-economic damages in a product liability lawsuit. Economic damages are quantifiable, while non-economic ones are subjective. A product liability lawyer in Columbia can explain the differences between the two types of damages in detail.
In a product liability lawsuit, you may request damages for many reasons, such as:
- Medical Costs: You can seek damages based on medical treatments you have already received and may require in the future.
- Loss of Wages: You can request money based on the fact that you missed out on the opportunity to earn wages at work.
- Pain and Suffering: You can ask for compensation due to the fact that you experienced pain and suffering relating to your injury.
You and your attorney will calculate how much to request in damages before your lawsuit is filed. Ultimately, your lawyer will encourage you to request economic and non-economic damages. The damages you request may total tens of thousands of dollars, too.
What It Takes to Build a Strong Argument in a Columbia Product Liability Lawsuit
Hiring a product liability lawyer that clients frequently rave about offers a great starting point to build a strong argument. Your lawyer will allocate as much time as needed to assess your claim. Then, your attorney will work diligently to build an argument designed to compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor.
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all argument in a product liability lawsuit. Rather, you and your lawyer must tailor your argument to your case. To do so, you and your lawyer can:
- Gather a wide range of evidence that the defendant’s negligence led to your injury.
- Find witnesses who can testify on your behalf.
- Communicate and collaborate with one another to brainstorm the best ways to present your evidence and witness testimony to a judge or jury.
Your lawyer plays a key role in the success of your product liability lawsuit. By hiring an attorney who prioritizes their clientele, you should have no trouble getting answers to legal questions you have. Most importantly, you and your attorney can work in lockstep to present a strong argument once your case goes to trial.
When a Columbia Product Liability Case Gets Resolved Before a Trial Date
If a defendant feels worried about their chances in court, this individual may present you with a settlement offer. In this scenario, your attorney will notify you about the offer. You must make the ultimate decision about whether to accept, reject, or counter the proposal.
For those who receive a settlement offer, it is paramount to weigh the proposal’s pros and cons. Some of the things you may want to consider include:
- The short- and long-term costs associated with treating your injury
- How the injury will impact your ability to work
- How the injury will affect your relationships with others
- How the injury will disrupt your ability to enjoy your life to the fullest extent
Your attorney cannot decide on a settlement proposal for you. Conversely, your lawyer can provide insights into an offer and help you figure out how to proceed with it. By discussing a settlement offer with your attorney, you are ready to make an informed decision about it.
How a Judge or Jury Views a Product Liability Case in Columbia
A judge or jury treats a product liability case as a serious matter. Over the course of a trial, a judge or jury may be presented with a wealth of evidence and witness testimony. A judge or jury is responsible for reviewing this information and deciding if the defendant should be awarded damages.
There are three potential responses that a judge or jury will have to a product liability lawsuit:
- A plaintiff was injured due to the defendant’s negligence and deserves to be awarded 100% of the damages that were requested.
- A plaintiff was injured in part due to their own negligence and the defendant’s negligence and deserves to be awarded partial damages.
- A plaintiff was injured due to their own negligence and not the defendant’s negligence and will not be awarded any damages.
Your lawyer will share evidence and testimony to support your claim. At the same time, your attorney will dispute any claims made by the defendant. As a result, your lawyer can help you maximize your chances of securing full damages.
Request a Consultation with a Product Liability Attorney in Charleston
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm does not make you wait to file your product liability lawsuit. Our attorney can review your product liability claim right away. To get started, please contact us today.
