Atlanta Product Liability Attorneys
Product Liability
Every time we purchase products, we assume that the product is safe for us to use. Sometimes that is not the case, and dangerous products that can cause serious or even fatal injuries find their way into the market and our homes.
Manufacturers have a legal responsibility to design, produce, and sell products that are safe for consumers to use as instructed and are free of defects. Product liability law helps ensure that products sold to consumers from manufacturers, as well as vendors and wholesalers, are safe, and that these entities are responsible should any injuries or deaths result from the use of their products. Consumers are given certain legal rights when purchasing any sort of product, and laws relating to product liability provide you protection should the product cause an injury or wrongful death in Atlanta.
While the term "product" can have a variety of definitions, traditionally, it is limited to items that are tangible personal property. As a consequence, product liability lawsuits can encompass many circumstances, such as defective children's products, faulty automobile parts, dangerous drugs and/or medical devices, improper label warnings, food contamination, and more.
In general, there are four types of claims that are related to product liability cases:
- Breach of warranty. This occurs when a manufacturer fails to uphold a representation it has made about a product. Product liability law expects manufacturers to stand by their product, any statements they make regarding the product, and that they will fulfill any obligations guaranteed to consumers.
- Misrepresentation. This occurs when the claims made about a product through marketing and advertising cause consumers to think certain things about a product, such as that a product is safer to use than it really is. Misrepresentations distract consumers from the possible risks of a product.
- Negligence. This occurs when a product does not provide services as expected and results in injury or death.
- Strict liability. This occurs when a victim proves the product in question was defective, that the product caused their injuries, and that the product was excessively dangerous. In these instances, strict liability holds the manufacturer or seller accountable, regardless of fault or intent.
If a manufacturer discovers that one of its products is defective, the manufacturer is responsible for informing consumers of the product's defect. This can be done by either corresponding with consumers directly or through federal agencies, such as the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). This action must be taken even if a defect is found after the warranty for a product is expired, because the manufacturer is still responsible for the risk, assuming this risk can result through a foreseeable use of the product. Ultimately, all manufacturers are required to produce products that, when used in a foreseeable manner, are safe for consumers.
As the kind of product in a product liability lawsuit can differ, the injuries suffered due to the use of these products can vary as well. For example, defective tires can cause an Atlanta car crash that causes victims to sustain permanent, severe disabilities; while a dangerous drug can cause a victim to suffer medical complications that may last for the rest of the victim's life. Anyone injured by a product that is found to be dangerous or defective may be eligible for compensation, which may include coverage for hospital bills, ongoing treatment if it is needed, medical expenses, loss of present and future wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. our Atlanta product liability lawyers in Atlanta have a reputation of providing the high quality and aggressive legal representation our clients need. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product, our lawyers can help you determine whether you have a viable claim as well as explain the legal options available to you should your claim have merit. To get started, call our law offices toll-free at 866-249-5513 for a free consultation.
