Consumers purchase products that can cause them serious injury or death every day. However, most people trust that these products, when used correctly, will not result in bodily harm. Unfortunately, even when used as intended, malfunctioning and defective products can have devastating consequences.
If you have suffered debilitating injuries or lost someone due to a wrongful death, you may have the right to financial compensation. With help from an experienced Orangeburg product liability lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can make the at-fault party pay. A top-rated Orangeburg personal injury attorney at our firm will do everything possible to maximize your payout when you contact our office to request a 100% free consultation.
Product Liability Cases in Orangeburg Come in Several Forms
In any instance where a defective or faulty product causes you serious injuries, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. There are several types of product liability cases, and your product liability lawyer in Orangeburg, SC will be responsible for examining the type of accident you were involved in to identify those responsible. Here are some of the most common types of product liability cases we handle at Shelly Leeke Law Firm:
Failure to Warn
Products that may be dangerous, even when used as intended, must have sufficient warning labels. For example, hair dryers and toasters can heat up and get incredibly hot- therefore they should be equipped with warning labels and tags that notify consumers of the risk. When these products lack the warning labels they are required to have, manufacturers and product owners can be held accountable for victim’s damages.
Manufacturing Defects
Manufacturing defects refer to a malfunction in one specific product as opposed to an entire line of a specific product. For example, a single lawnmower may be malfunctioning or defective but that does not mean the entire line of lawnmowers are defective if there is a problem with only your lawnmower. Manufacturing defects are some of the most common types of product liability claims and nearly anyone involved in the chain of distribution of these products can be sued.
Design Defects
Design defects can be a little more complex because they can evolve into class action lawsuits. Design flaws affect every item in a particular line of products. For example, if you purchased a specific brand and scent of deodorant that caused severe burn injuries, the entire line of that specific brand and scent of deodorant would be affected, while another scent may remain unaffected.
You Can Fight for Maximum Compensation
Product defects and malfunctions can cause devastating injuries. Whether you have suffered a traumatic brain injury or amputation, broken bone, or spinal cord injury, you have the right to full compensation for your suffering and damages. The damages you are entitled to are called compensatory damages and can include both special damages and general damages.
Special Damages
Special damages are monetary. They are strictly financial and can include easily verifiable, tangible losses. Some of the most common types of damages recovered in product liability claims include:
- Lost wages, tips, and future potential earnings
- Medical bills, treatment, equipment, and future care
- Personal property losses
- Loss of household services
- Damage to your credit score
- Increases to your insurance premiums
General Damages
General damages have nothing to do with money. Your life will likely be affected in more ways than one after a product liability accident, and general damages are designed to ensure you are compensated for the impact on you emotionally, your lifestyle, and your relationships with family and friends. Some examples of such damages could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Psychological trauma
- Embarrassment
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Inconvenience
- Permanent disability
- Damage to your reputation
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are intended to punish liable parties for conduct that is reprehensible or grossly negligent. They are not a requirement or appropriate for every product liability case. However, punitive damages may apply if product owners, designers, distributors, or other third parties failed to make necessary changes, and repairs, or knowingly allowed consumers to purchase products that could cause them serious bodily injury or death, the courts may find it necessary to issue a punitive damages award in your case.
Exploring Your Legal Options
Pursuing justice after an accident can be a complex process. There are multiple ways you may be able to recover the compensation you are entitled to. Most product liability cases begin by filing a claim with the insurance company.
The liable party will almost certainly have some form of insurance coverage in place. Many at-fault parties in a product liability claim will have general liability insurance or another type of coverage. However, that does not mean this insurance coverage will be enough to ensure fair compensation in your case.
When this happens, you may need to be prepared to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit. When you go to court, you are entitled to be made whole, or compensated for every loss. Having your case heard by a judge and jury may be the best way to get the most out of your product liability lawsuit.
Connect with a Product Liability Attorney in Orangeburg, SC Today
Product liability cases are often more complex than run-of-the-mill personal injury claims. When someone else’s negligence ultimately causes you to suffer catastrophic injuries or damages, they should be held accountable to the fullest extent the law allows. A knowledgeable and skilled Orangeburg product liability attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to guide you through the claims process and ensure we are seeking fair compensation for your damages.
Do not get stuck taking the fallout when another party is at fault. Bring them to justice and access the financial support you will need to get through these difficult times. When you are ready to take back control of your future, complete our online contact form or call our office to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today.
