In 2018, approximately 14 million people were treated in emergency room departments due to consumer products, according to the National Safety Council. While product manufacturers are tasked with only releasing products that are safe and do not pose an unreasonable risk of harm into the stream of commerce, every year, people young and old are injured by defective or unsafe appliances, electronics, vehicles, and household cleaning products.
If you were harmed by a defective product, an Andrew defective product lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can discuss your claim with you and whether you have a right to compensation due to the injuries you sustained. Contact us today at (337) 777-7777 for more information.
Types of Product Defects
Product defects are typically grouped into one of the following three categories:
Design Defects
A design defect occurs when a design of a product makes it inherently dangerous for its normal use. The product is manufactured according to these specifications, but consumers may be injured by these products. These defects may occur due to inadequate testing or poor planning. Some examples of products that are defectively designed include:
- The Takata airbag defect that included defective inflators so that when they deployed, shrapnel was released and injured and killed vehicle occupants.
- Vehicles that are more prone to roll over.
- Ladders that tip over with a small amount of force.
- A cleaning product that contains abrasive chemicals that is released through a bottle that causes a user’s hands to come into contact with the dangerous chemicals.
- Children’s clothing that is flammable.
Manufacturing Defect
A manufacturing defect occurs when there is an error in the manufacturing process. Not all of the products are affected by the defect. Instead, a lower number of units may be impacted by the defect. Manufacturing defects can occur from relatively minor mistakes or more serious mistakes, which may include:
- Not adequately tightening screws
- Missing bolts
- Missing components
- Crossing wires
- Incorrectly soldering pieces
- Using the wrong type of material on a product
- Contaminating products with toxic materials
A tire that is made with substandard rubber may be more likely to blow out. An improperly installed component may result in a product catching fire.
Warning or Labeling Defects
The last category of product defects is warning or labeling defects. Companies must include warning labels that properly notify consumers of possible hazards related to using the product. A warning or labeling defect may arise if:
- The company fails to provide clear instructions that adequately describe the item’s intended use.
- The product fails to include conspicuous warnings that alert consumers of a danger.
- There is not a warning that a product poses a choking hazard and a small child chokes on a small component of the product.
- The packaging or instructions fail to adequately warn consumers about the proper use and handling, dangers, and other concerns regarding the product.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientMost Common Products Deemed Defective
According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which collects injury data associated with consumer products from emergency room departments, the following products resulted in the following number of injuries in 2019:
- Stairs, ramps, landings, and floors – 3,145,713
- Chairs, sofas, and sofa beds – 641,671
- Bicycles and accessories – 417,485
- Basketballs – 403,980
- Tables – 338,154
- Non-glass doors and panels – 286,383
- Ladders and stools – 238,888
- Toys – 224,086
- ATVs, mopeds, and minibikes – 201,847
- Workshop manual tools – 112,918
- Nursery equipment – 94,547
If you or a loved one was injured by one of these products or another defective product, contact us for help with your claim.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWho May Be Liable for Your Injuries Caused by a Defective Product
Based on product liability principles, anyone within the stream of commerce may ultimately be held liable for the injuries you sustained. Therefore, one or more of the following parties may be held liable for your accident:
- Designer – The designer may be held liable for an inherent design flaw that results in injuries or death.
- Product manufacturer – The manufacturer of the product may be liable for design, manufacturing, or warning defects.
- Parts manufacturer – Sometimes a defect is caused by a defective component that is added together with other parts. In these situations, you may have a claim against the companies that manufacture or assemble these individual parts.
- Retailer – A retailer who sells a defective product can also be held liable for injuries that result from the defective product in some cases.
An Andrew defective product lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can review the circumstances surrounding your claim and determine which entities you may have a claim against. Contact us today at (337) 777-7777.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow We Can Help with Your Product Liability Claim
In order to recover compensation for the injuries you sustained, you will need to prove certain legal elements, including:
- A design, manufacturing, or warning existed
- You were injured
- The defect directly caused your injury
- You suffered damages as a result of your injury
A defective product attorney can help gather evidence to establish these legal elements. A product liability lawyer is knowledgeable about the law and product liability concepts, so he or she can guide you through this process.
Product liability claims can often be complex and may involve complicated scientific and mechanical information. Product liability lawyers can consult with experts who can help explain how the defect occurred and caused the injury. Additionally, they can gather evidence to substantiate the source and value of damages you sustained.
Contact us to learn more about all the ways we can help with your defective product claim.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientGet Help from an Andrew Defective Product Attorney
If you or your loved one was injured by a defective product, an Andrew defective product lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help hold a negligent manufacturer or other liable party responsible for their careless actions. We will thoroughly investigate your claim and determine all potentially liable parties who contributed to your injuries. You can focus on your recovery while we handle your legal claim.
We provide legal advice and representation to clients throughout Andrew, Alexandria, Lafayette, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (337) 777-7777 for your free case consultation.
