Lancaster residents use thousands of different consumer products each day, and most of the time, these goods work safely and as intended. However, in some cases, a defective product can lead to severe injuries. In those cases, a personal injury attorney may be able to hold the maker of the product liable for those injuries.
If you were harmed by a defective or dangerous product, you might be able to pursue justice against the responsible party. Contact a Lancaster defective products lawyer to learn more.
What is a Faulty Item?
A defective product is any product with a characteristic that prevents it from serving its intended purpose safely. The defect could manifest at any point from the design to the marketing of the product. Product liability attorneys specialize in cases where these defects injure the person using the product.
Types of Defective Products Cases
For the most part, defective product lawsuits can be sorted into three different categories: defective designs, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn cases. A critical part of a Lancaster defective products lawyer’s job is to identify the type of defect present in each case.
Defective Design
When a product design is defective, the item is dangerous from the start. Faulty from their inception, a defectively designed product can be hazardous even if it is manufactured to meet the exact specifications.
Manufacturing Defect
Perfect product design will not be enough to prevent a defect if there is an error during manufacturing. Machine failure and employee mistakes are commonplace, and either can lead to a defect.
Failure to Warn
Even products that are designed and manufactured appropriately can still result in injury if the warning labels are insufficient to notify consumers of the risks. If a product warning label is not appropriately displayed, it can lead to a potential claim for damages.
Common Defenses
While it falls to the plaintiff’s attorney to make their case, the defense will also have their chance to defend themselves. Several defenses have succeeded in defective products lawsuits in the past. Below are some popular options:
- There was no defect to begin with
- The defect occurred after the product left the custody and control of the defendant
- The plaintiff was not harmed by the defect
- The plaintiff’s injuries were not caused by the product
- The product was used for something other than its intended purpose
A skilled Lancaster defective products attorney could gather evidence to support a victim’s claim and refute the defendant’s arguments.
Recoverable Damages in a Lawsuit
While holding a manufacturer or a defective product accountable is important, Lancaster defective products lawyers also seek to secure monetary compensation for the victim. Some of the possible damages available in a products liability case include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Rehabilitation
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
Discuss Filing a Claim with a Lancaster Defective Products Attorney
If you or a member of your family suffered an injury due to a defective product, you might be able to the manufacturer, designer, or another responsible party accountable for their conduct. With help from a Lancaster defective products lawyer, you could pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Call Schiller & Hamilton today to discuss the merits of your claim.