Dangerous and defective products result in serious injuries more often than you might realize. Some of these products are unreasonably dangerous by design, while others do not include appropriate instructions for safe use. In either situation, the manufacturer could face liability when accidents happen.
If you sustained injuries due to a defective product, a Bellaire product liability lawyer might be able to assist you. By pursuing a claim with a dedicated personal injury attorney, you could recover a financial award that covers your injuries and other associated damages.
Types of Product Defects
It is important to understand the three types of defective product claims when considering a product liability lawsuit. Depending on the type of defect, a company may face liability for injuries that result. A Bellaire attorney could pursue a product liability case based on any or all of the following types of defects.
Design Defects
A design defect involves a product that is not safe as intended due to an inherent flaw in its design. This means that all items produced using this same design are also potentially hazardous. Design defects can range from small flaws that cause minor discomfort to major errors that can lead to serious injury or death.
Manufacturing Defects
When a flaw occurs during the manufacturing process, it is referred to as a manufacturing defect. These flaws occur after the product has been designed but before it reaches its final form. Manufacturing defects can involve substandard materials, incorrect assembly, and improper installation of parts or components, among other issues. This category even covers defects that occur during shipment or storage.
Marketing Defects
Marketing defects occur when inadequate warnings or instructions accompany a product and make it dangerous even if used correctly. Likewise, a marketing defect occurs when it is impossible for the consumer to understand how to use a dangerous product safely. When companies fail to provide adequate information about how their products should be safely used, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages caused by these products.
Compensation for Dangerous Product Injuries
When pursuing a defective products case, there are different types of damages that could be available. Economic and non-economic damages might both be options for those seeking compensation following a defective product injury. Economic damages refer to those losses that can be readily quantified, such as lost wages and medical bills. Non-economic damages are subjective and include things like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Economic damages are calculated based on the costs incurred by the injured party due to the defective product. These may include past and future medical expenses, lost income, or any other out-of-pocket costs associated with an incident.
Non-economic damages refer to losses that cannot be measured in monetary terms but still represent real losses suffered by an individual. Examples of non-economic compensation include pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement caused by a defective product, such as an appliance that exploded and caused severe burns. The amount awarded for non-economic damages will depend on the extent of harm caused by the defect and will vary depending on its particular circumstances.
Contact a Bellaire Product Liability Attorney Today
You do not have to address the challenges of a defective product injury on your own. From your medical costs to the damage to your personal property, you could be entitled to a monetary reward that covers all of your losses. What’s more, you have the right to hire legal counsel to seek that compensation. Call a Bellaire product liability lawyer today to learn more about what your claim might be worth with a free consultation.