If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one because of a defective product, you could qualify for financial compensation. A Lake Charles defective products lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to help you recover damages from the product’s manufacturer.
Our defective products attorney serving Lake Charles will investigate the details of your case, identify the liable party or parties, and pursue compensation on your behalf. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis with no out-of-pocket payments required to start. This means our fee is a percentage of your court award or settlement offer if and when we win your case – if we are unable to help you recover compensation, you do not need to pay us attorney fees.
Common Injuries Caused by Defective Products
A defective product accident can have a devastating impact on your life. Under the worst conditions, the types of injuries defective products can cause are endless. Fortunately, when someone else’s negligence or misconduct is the cause of your injuries, you have the right to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
If you have concerns that your injuries may not be severe enough to warrant legal action, keep in mind that the type of injury you sustained is not necessarily what determines your right to compensation. The impact that your injuries have had on your life will.
Defective product accidents can cause some types of injuries more frequently than others. Some of the more common injuries we see in Lake Charles defective product claims include:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Full-thickness burns
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Sepsis
- Amputation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Emotional injuries
- Internal injuries
- Organ damage
These are just a few of the frequently seen types of injuries caused by defective products. If you suffered another type of injury that is not listed above, you may still have grounds for a civil or insurance claim. Find out what your next step should be when you contact our office to discuss the details of your case.
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.
ClientDefective Product Cases Are Common
Defective products of all types cause serious injuries and death every year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission collects data and issues recalls for consumer products that can be dangerous, such as children’s toys, kitchen appliances, televisions, and furniture. Many of these injuries and deaths occur despite victims using the products as expected, for the intended purpose, and under normal conditions. You can speak to a Lake Charles wrongful death lawyer about your family’s options in this circumstance.
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 | ClientDetermining Who Is to Blame for Defective Product Injuries
In general, a product classifies as defective if there is a flaw in its design, manufacturing process, or marketing. If a defective product injured you, you could recover compensation from the manufacturer.
You do not need the product to be under a recall in order to sue for damages. This type of legal action is also referred to as a product liability case.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientProtection Under the Louisiana Products Liability Act
The RS 2800.51, also known as the Louisiana Products Liability Act (LPLA), gives consumers who have suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to a defective product the right to seek damages from the product’s manufacturer.
The act states that manufacturers can be held liable for a product considered “unreasonably dangerous” due to one of the following:
- The design
- The construction
- Inadequate warning of its potential danger
Our attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers understand the LPLA and how to apply it in our clients’ cases. We can help you fight for compensation for your damages if this or any other applicable law in Louisiana entitles you to do so.
If you have questions about the product that harmed you or someone you love, a team member at our firm will be happy to discuss the case and your legal options during a free case review.
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.
ClientPursuing Compensation for Defective Product Injuries in Lake Charles
If you were hurt by a defective product, an attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers could help you file a personal injury lawsuit. Alternatively, we could assist you with a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one lost their life due to a defective product. We will explain the additional damages you may be able to claim later in this article.
Some defective products impact so many consumers that it warrants a class action lawsuit. A class action is a type of group lawsuit that allows multiple defendants who were wronged in the same way to pursue compensation together. A mass tort is another type of group lawsuit that may be possible regarding defective products.
Our firm may be able to help you participate in an ongoing group lawsuit if one exists for your defective product case. If not, we can help you file an individual action against the party responsible for your damages.
Recoverable Damages After a Defective Product Incident
Our product liability team can help you determine the value of your damages after a defective product incident. If you are filing a personal injury case, your potentially recoverable damages may include:
- Medical bills for doctor’s appointments, surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitation services, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications
- Property damage
- Lost wages if you are out of work during your recovery
- Pain and suffering
In a defective product wrongful death case, potentially recoverable damages include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pre-death medical care
- Loss of income
- Loss of care
- Loss of guidance
If you lost a loved one due to a defective product, we offer our deepest condolences. Our personal injury lawyers in Lake Charles can handle all aspects of the case so you can focus on your family at this difficult time.
How Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Trying to recover damages after an injury or death from a defective product can be stressful and overwhelming. If you choose our firm, a defective products lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can manage all aspects of your case.
When we represent you in Lake Charles, we can do the following for you:
- Evaluate your legal options and determine a course for pursuing compensation
- Collect evidence related to the product
- Collect evidence related to your injuries, such as medical records
- Handle communications with the product manufacturer’s insurance company
- File an insurance claim and/or lawsuit against them
- Negotiate for a settlement on your behalf
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer
- Keep you updated on the progress of your case
What to Expect from the Defective Product Claims Process
If you hope to recover maximum compensation for your damages, you may need to be prepared to seek justice through multiple avenues. Once you have retained a defective products attorney to handle your case, you can generally expect them to:
- Begin investigating the cause of the accident
- Obtain the evidence needed to support your case
- Establish culpability
- Determine the value of your defective product claim
- File claims with the insurance company
- Negotiate with the insurance adjuster
- Prepare to bring the liable party to court
- Seek maximum compensation before the judge
In some cases, you may be able to avoid bringing your case to court by obtaining a settlement from the insurance company. For example, if you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident involving a defective truck part, the manufacturer’s insurance company may be open to negotiating a settlement to avoid a lengthy and costly legal battle. Our Lake Charles 18-wheeler accident lawyer will review your options.
For this reason, it is important to keep in mind that every person’s defective product claims process can take a different path. Find out what to expect from your claim after you have gone over the details of your case with your attorney.
How to Handle the Insurance Company
Dealing with the insurance company is one of the most challenging but necessary elements of the claims process. No matter who is responsible for causing your accident, they may be represented by some type of insurance provider. Unfortunately, dealing with the insurance company is rarely easy. Insurance companies are profit-driven, which means they are going to prioritize their own financial interests over yours.
Expect them to look for opportunities to reduce your settlement or deny your claim altogether. You can protect your compensation by having your defective products attorney handle the negotiations process on your behalf. That way, you do not have to worry about being taken advantage of during your greatest time of need.
What Our Past Clients Say About Us
With more than 350 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases in Louisiana, our team is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case. Here is an example of some of the 5-star Google reviews we have received from past clients:
- “They helped me when the other party’s insurance wouldn’t answer my calls! They got the job done and efficiently!” – Lacey McDonald
- “I was feeling more and more pain and went to the doctor. I had two surgeries in my neck and my back. I made an appointment with David and it was a real good experience. He worked with me all the way and was like a good friend in a time of need. I don’t think anybody could have done a better job than he did.”– Keith
- “Feel like I am in good hands. Great professional attention.”– Daniel Benitez
Every case is different, but our dedication to each client is the same. We’ll start by reviewing your Lake Charles defective product case for free during our initial consultation.
The Statute of Limitations in Louisiana
Time is a critical factor in defective product cases. In Louisiana, CC Art. 3492 sets the general statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits at one year from the date of your accident. For wrongful death lawsuits, the general statute of limitations is one year from the date of your loved one’s death.
If you wait too long, you forfeit your right to sue. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you file on time when we represent you.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
If a defective product injured you or caused your loved one’s untimely passing, a lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to help. Allow us to coordinate all of the legal work in your case while you focus on your recovery.
You can learn more about our services and your legal options in Lake Charles during a free, no-obligation case review with a member of our team. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get to work for you.
