Does Product Liability Only Apply to Injuries?
In 2014 alone, the United States had the largest commercial liability markets with over $86 billion paid in insurance premiums. When it comes to large companies who work to make a profit and pinch pennies in any way possible, it is not surprising to see that their products or devices may not work correctly. In some cases, they can cause serious injury or death to their users. In these cases, you should contact a product liability attorney to help you seek compensation. But where do you start? What if the product didn’t technically injure you? In addition, who should you be suing in the first place? The Law Office of Michael W. Patrick has the answers you are searching for.
Who Should You Sue?
Aside from gathering medical bills and pay stubs, you should identify who to file a lawsuit against. You will increase your chances of larger compensation if you dig deep to figure out who had their hand in releasing a faulty product to the public. In other words, the more people that could possibly be at fault, the better. Start with these parties that could be responsible:
The manufacturer of any and every product that is involved with your case. For example, if you had a tire blow, target the manufacturer of both the car and the tire itself.
Just because the retailer didn’t make the product, doesn’t mean they are off the hook. Because they had a hazardous item on their shelves, they could be responsible for your injury.
Similarly, other parts of the supply chain had a part in putting that dangerous product in your hands. Look for wholesalers, distributors, or suppliers that may be involved with getting your product from the conveyor belt to the store shelf.
As your attorney, Michael Patrick can dive deep into the product you were using and discover who should be responsible for your medical bills, loss of wages, or property damage. His expertise working with clients in the Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham area is just what you need to get a jump-start on your case.
Examples of Grounds for Product Liability Lawsuits
Injury
The most common reason that you would seek compensation for a faulty product or device is because you were injured. For example, you may be injured in a car accident because your brake stopped working.
Discomfort
A product may not have injured you directly, but it can affect you in other ways, such as a defective hip replacement. When hip replacements aren’t done correctly and carefully, it can cause extreme pain and discomfort. As a result, you will need to go under the knife again so the error can be fixed.
Hazardous Pharmaceuticals
Another example of product liability cases that don’t involve injury is if you have taken a dangerous medication that harmed you in any way. Because you were affected by these medications, you could meet the requirements for compensation against the pharmaceutical company.
Toxic Exposure
You may become sick because an individual or entity did not take proper precautions handling hazardous material. If you or a loved one has been exposed to toxic materials, you could have a chance to receive reimbursement.
Property Damage
Faults in dryer manufacturing can cause a build-up of lint in areas of your dryer other than the cleanable lint screen, increasing the risk of a fire. If your dryer ignites, you might suffer from fire and smoke damage throughout your home. To help pay for repairs and replacements, an attorney can help you fight for just reimbursement.
Legal Experience You Can Count On
No matter how you were affected by a faulty product or device, you can rely on product liability attorney Michael Patrick. He will guide you through the legal process of obtaining compensation for your pain and suffering. He has experience that spans decades and has acquired the knowledge to find the right strategy for your case. If you need reliable legal guidance, call his Chapel Hill office today to schedule your free consultation.