Defective products can come in many shapes and forms. If a defective product has injured you, you likely grasp the complexity of holding the manufacturer accountable. We have navigated litigation for clients for injuries caused by defective products. It is vital that you hire an attorney as soon after an injury occurs because the manufacturer of the product will begin the process of defending itself immediately upon learning of an injury its product may have caused. Preserving the product in the exact condition it was in after the incident is of utmost importance. Altering or losing the product will likely result in a product liability claim failing, and you may not receive compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a defective product, contact us, and let our team of defective product lawyers provide assistance.
The product liability lawyers in Birmingham from Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP have extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to representing consumers who were injured due to an unsafe product. There are many possible ways a company or retailer could potentially have contributed to your injury. If the manufacturer used ineffective or dangerous material that led to a product breaking and injuring you or a loved one, you may be able to collect compensation, not only from the manufacturer but from their suppliers, the retail outlet that sold you the item, and other parties along the supply chain.
A product doesn’t need a manufacturing, material, or design defect to qualify as a defective product case. If a properly functioning product didn’t come with adequate safety or cautionary information, resulting in inappropriate, unintended, or hazardous use that leads to an injury, the manufacturer may still be held responsible for the injury.
Our careful attention to detail and our ability to construct how each piece of information will affect a client’s claim are vital skills in these cases. Our team of defective product lawyers and consumer product industry experts will go to great lengths to demonstrate the dangerous, defective, or faulty nature of a product and how the product has affected you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, our product injury lawyers have the resources and experience needed to handle such cases, along with a proven track record for achieving optimal results.
Why Do I Need a Defective Products Lawyer?
Defective products that cause serious injuries often lead to victims requiring extensive hospital stays. Your injuries can result in not only a significant increase in medical expenses but also prevent your return to work.
In all likelihood, you probably have no prior experience handling a product liability claim and, thus, do not know where you would try to seek compensation. The good news is that you do not have to try and figure it all out by yourself.
When you hire an experienced defective products attorney, they will have a full understanding of the applicable state laws relating to your case and can help you determine the best course of action. Your lawyer will also know which experts to consult and possibly have to testify in your civil case.
You may also be facing considerable financial stress because of the medical bills and lost income you are dealing with. Do not let these worries prevent you from contacting Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, as our firm will represent you on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing up front and we only collect a fee when you receive a monetary award.
What to Do if You’re Injured By a Defective Product
Why Choose Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP?
Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP has experience handling a wide variety of product liability actions, ranging from children’s toys to dangerous drugs to automotive parts. Our firm maintains relationships with the foremost experts in their respective fields so that we can present the strongest possible case on your behalf.
When you work with Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, we will quickly begin a complete independent investigation into the type of defect at issue in your case. Our firm will not only determine the exact cause of your injuries but also identify all possible liable parties.
Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP will be able to determine the true value of your case. While the insurance company for the negligent party may try to offer you a settlement that is only a fraction of what your claim is worth, our firm will fight to make sure you get every last dollar you need and deserve.
Because defective product cases require extensive investigations, it is critical that you not delay in retaining legal counsel. You will want to contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP as quickly as you can.
Cases We Handle
Most defective product claims are based on one of three types of product liability claims: design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn.
Design defect and failure to warn claims can carry greater significance than manufacturing defect claims. They imply all such products are defective, not just one. A design defect involves a claim that a product is dangerous because of some kind of oversight in the underlying design of the product, while a failure to warn claim is based on the manufacturer’s failure to include some type of warning about proper and improper use of the product.
Some of the types of defective product claims that Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP has handled include:
- Unsafe Baby Equipment — Car seats, playpens, swings, and cribs
- Design Defects — Any product with a potentially dangerous design.
- Manufacturing Defects — When an employee or company fails to adequately assemble a product.
- Harmful Pharmaceutical Drugs — Medicine or drugs that legally require a prescription from a certified doctor or pharmacist
- Mechanical Equipment — Elevators, saws, conveyor belts, boilers, forklifts, and faulty valves
- Defective Tires — Tire blowouts and tire recalls
- Automotive Defects — Recalled cars, car fires, airbag injuries, seat belt injuries, and SUV rollovers
- Faulty Tools — Sanders, lathes, and saws
- Unsafe Industrial Equipment — Welding tools, die-casting machines, and excavators
- Defective Household Appliances — Pressure cookers, toaster ovens, and space heaters
Supporting an Alabama Extended Manufacturer’s Liability Doctrine claim often necessitates expert testimony. The Alabama Rule of Evidence 702 establishes that expert testimony is admissible only if the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data, the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods, and the witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case.
Defective Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Info
Frequently Asked Questions
If your case goes to trial and is successfully proven by a preponderance of the evidence, you may be awarded compensatory damages, which are usually a combination of economic damages and noneconomic damages. Economic damages refer to tangible types of harm that can be calculated and proven, such as medical expenses and lost income. Noneconomic damages are much more subjective types of harm, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. In rare cases with clear evidence of the defendant’s deliberate wrongdoing, you may also be awarded punitive damages.
In most cases, a person only has two years in Alabama to file a product liability claim. If you hold a breach of warranty claim regarding a defective product, the statute of limitations extends to four years.
Many manufacturers and retailers in the United States try to reduce costs by using foreign suppliers. However, foreign entities that sell products within the country are still subject to American laws. Moreover, the U.S. distributors of these products can still incur liability for the negligence of overseas companies. Additionally, foreign businesses themselves can also face liability in certain cases. Therefore, any product liability case involving an international business will require highly skilled legal representation.
Defective Products Statistics
The National Safety Council publishes annual data on the number of preventable injuries that involve consumer product use. According to the most recent report from 2022, the product category with the highest number of injuries was “stairs, ramps, landings, floors,” which caused 69,319 injuries.
Other top categories by number of injuries were:
- Beds, mattresses, and pillows, which caused 23,271 injuries
- Chairs, sofas, and sofa beds, which caused 15,829 injuries
- Bathroom structures and fixtures, which caused 12,259 injuries
- Exercise equipment, which caused 10,499 injuries
- Bicycles and bicycle accessories, which caused 10,170 injuries
- Basketball equipment, which caused 9,670 injuries
- Tables, which caused 8,282 injuries
- Playground equipment, which caused 7,289 injuries
- Non-glass doors and panels, which caused 6,577 injuries
- Skateboards, scooters, and hoverboards, which caused 6,534 injuries
The categories with the lowest numbers of injuries reported were:
- Non-powder guns, bb’s, and pellets, which caused 276 injuries
- Gasoline and diesel fuels, which caused 257 injuries
- Fireworks and flares, which caused 253 injuries
- Bowling equipment, which caused 247 injuries
- Welding, soldering, and cutting tools, which caused 212 injuries
- Hatchets and axes, which caused 202 injuries
Contact a Birmingham Defective Product Lawyer Today
The defective products lawyers of Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP have been helping people injured by the negligence of other parties for more than 20 years. We understand product liability claims intricately. Collaborating with expert witnesses and gathering vital evidence maximizes your case’s favorable outcome.
Has a defective product caused injuries or a loved one’s loss in Birmingham or nearby Jefferson County? Call our team at (205) 324-1212 or contact us online to have our lawyers review your case and help you understand all of your legal options during a free consultation.
Related Reading:
