You come into contact with hundreds of products each day, which is likely something you don’t give a second thought to. However, when one of these products causes injury, you may find yourself unsure of the steps you must take to recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve sustained. Knowing who can be held liable for the injuries you’ve endured is critical. Luckily, the following blog explores what you must know about these circumstances and how a Houston product liability lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve when defective products lead to your injuries.
What Makes a Product Defective?
A product is generally deemed defective when there is a flaw in the design or manufacturing that makes it unreasonably dangerous and leads to an injury for the user who was using the product as intended. A design flaw is an issue in the inherent conception of a product. A manufacturing error occurs when a safely designed product undergoes an error in the production process that deems it unsafe to use.
It’s also important to note that a product can be deemed defective if it is improperly labeled or does not have adequate safety information about its proper use.
An example of a defective product would be a hair dryer that catches on fire when used on the highest setting. The product should be able to be used on all settings available, so the fact that it catches on fire is no fault of the consumer. As such, the product would be deemed defective because there is an obvious flaw that causes it to catch on fire. If you cut yourself while chopping a vegetable because the knife slipped on the skin of the produce, this would not constitute a defective product. This is because there was nothing wrong with the knife, as this is just an accident that can happen when handling cutlery.
Who Can Face Liability for Defective Products?
Generally, the manufacturer and designer of the product will face liability for the injuries inflicted by a product. However, a retailer can also face liability, as they must ensure that the products on their shelves are safe for consumers. Additionally, if a product is recalled, they must stop selling it in stores and online. It is illegal for a store to keep selling a defective product once it has been recalled.
These defects can often result in serious injuries or even death for the victim of these instances. As such, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options, as you are entitled to compensation when you sustain injuries due to another person’s negligence. At the Gonzalez Law Group, we understand how complicated it can be to fight big companies. That’s why we’re committed to fighting for you. Connect with our team today to learn how we can assist you.
