If you get injured by a defective product, you may be solely responsible for any medical treatment costs. This is in spite of the fact that the product defect was the result of someone else’s negligence. However, you can file a product liability lawsuit to hold any at-fault parties financially responsible for their actions.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have handled dozens of product liability lawsuits to date. Get in touch with a Walterboro product liability attorney. When you do, our Walterboro personal injury lawyers can learn about your product liability claim and help you file your lawsuit.
Where to Go for Help with Product Liability in Walterboro
If you buy a product and suffer an injury because it is defective, multiple parties may be held responsible. These can include:
- The product manufacturer
- The product reseller
- Any parties that provided parts used in the product
Initially, you should go to a doctor as soon as you suffer your defective product injury in Walterboro. At this point, your doctor can diagnose and treat your injury. You can also get insights into how long it may take to fully recover.
From here, reach out to a Walterboro product liability lawyer. You can talk to the lawyer about your product liability claim and why you are considering filing a lawsuit. The attorney can take a look at your claim and determine if you have a viable case.
How to Evaluate the Strength of a Walterboro Product Liability Case
Evidence plays a significant role in a Walterboro product liability case. You must have a sufficient amount of evidence that shows you were injured due to a defective product and one or more at-parties were negligent. In addition, you must provide evidence that will compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor.
There are several types of evidence you can use to support your product liability case, including:
- The defective product itself
- Lab reports, physical examinations, and other medical records that highlight the extent of your injury
- Medical bills that illustrate your injury’s financial impact
- Pay stubs that show how much money you have lost due to the fact that you are unable to work due to your injury
- Information about any product recalls or prior lawsuits filed against an at-fault party for similar issues
A product liability attorney in Walterboro helps you gather and evaluate evidence. Also, your lawyer can identify potential witnesses who can testify on your behalf. These witnesses can provide additional insights that further illustrate why you deserve to be awarded damages.
Types of Damages You Can Receive in a Walterboro Product Liability Lawsuit
You may be eligible to receive compensatory damages that come in two forms: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are measurable, while non-economic ones are subjective. Each refers to compensation that a judge or jury awards based on problems that arise due to your product liability injury.
A judge or jury may award you damages for many reasons, including:
- Your medical expenses
- Your lost wages
- Any long-term care costs you incur due to your injury
- Pain and suffering
A product liability lawyer in Walterboro can provide you with full details about economic and non-economic damages and help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible. The attorney can also explain instances in which you may be awarded punitive damages. In some cases, a judge or jury may award punitive damages in the hopes of deterring an at-fault party from committing future acts of negligence.
When to File a Product Liability Lawsuit in Walterboro
Once you meet with a product liability lawyer, you can file your lawsuit. In South Carolina, you have a maximum of three years from the date you suffer a product liability injury to request damages from any negligent parties. If you do not sue within this time frame, you lose the opportunity to seek damages.
Your lawyer will make sure your lawsuit is filed in alignment with South Carolina’s statute of limitations. Next, your attorney will help you:
- Collect and review evidence
- Identify potential witnesses who can testify during your trial
- Teach you about the trial process
Your attorney remains accessible as your litigation moves forward. If you have legal concerns or questions, your lawyer can address them. That way, you can make informed legal decisions at each stage of your litigation.
What to Do When You Are Presented with a Settlement Offer in a Walterboro Product Liability Case
A defendant may quickly discover that your case is extremely strong. In this scenario, the defendant may provide you with a settlement proposal. It is your responsibility to review the proposal and decide how to proceed with it.
If you get a settlement offer, it helps to review it with your attorney. By evaluating a settlement offer with your attorney, you can:
- Hear what your lawyer has to say about the offer
- Work with your attorney to weigh the offer’s pros and cons
- Analyze the short- and long-term ramifications that come with any decision you make
Your lawyer can provide a helping hand as you assess a settlement proposal. If you are unsure about how to proceed with an offer, your lawyer can provide recommendations. Then, you can make the final decision on what to do with the offer.
What to Look for in a Walterboro Product Liability Lawyer
It may seem challenging to find a product liability lawyer that meets your expectations. There are several things that set the best product liability attorney apart from their counterparts. These include:
- A track record of success in product liability cases
- Years of experience dealing with product liability cases
- Ability to respond to any legal concerns or questions from their clients
Choose a product liability attorney that instills confidence. Your attorney will go the extra mile to argue your case to the best of their ability. As a result, your lawyer can help you achieve your desired case results.
Hire a Walterboro Product Liability Attorney from the Shelly Leeke Law Firm
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to help you with your product liability lawsuit. Our attorney is available to meet with you and learn about your case. To get started, please contact us today.
