When you purchase a product, you expect it to work as intended. You don’t expect it to cause you or your loved one significant injury. Unfortunately, that can happen when corporations place profits above public safety. When a product causes devastating injuries, you may be eligible to seek meaningful compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, our Hartford product liability attorneys have over 55 years of combined legal experience. We aren’t afraid to challenge corporations and their legal teams to pursue the compensation you deserve following an accident with a defective consumer product.
Contact our office today for your free initial consultation and learn how we can help you recover compensation for your injuries and other losses. A Hartford product liability lawyer can evaluate your case and outline your legal options. When you need someone to advocate for you, we are here.
What Is a Product Liability Claim?
Product liability is an area of law that allows consumers injured by defective products to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for the financial damage caused by their products.
Connecticut law provides the legal framework for pursuing product liability cases, allowing individuals to take legal action to recover compensation when the injured individual can prove a product was defective or deficient in one of the following ways:
- Defective Design – Flaws inherent in a product’s design make it unsafe for consumers. A product with a defective design gets manufactured correctly, but the core design flaws prevent it from working as intended or make it inherently unsafe. A defective design impacts an entire product line.
- Manufacturing Defect – Manufacturing defects occur due to errors during the manufacturing process. The product design may be solid, but mistakes on the production line or the use of alternative and substandard materials make the product unsafe. Manufacturing defects only impact a product batch, not the entire product line.
- Failure to Warn – Companies must include detailed instructions and warning labels outlining how to use their product, proper care and handling, and potential safety hazards. Failing to include reasonable warning labels with a product may make a company liable for compensating consumers injured by the product.
What Are Some Common Causes of Injuries from Defective Products?
Products can be inherently unsafe to consumers for several reasons. Some products may explode or catch fire, causing significant burn injuries. Other products may have sharp edges or defects that cause lacerations and injuries. Defective car parts, in particular, can impact the functionality and safety of a vehicle, resulting in collisions that can cause catastrophic injuries and death.
Some of the most common injuries that result from defective products include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Neck and spine injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Contusions
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
Defective products linked to motor vehicle accidents, medical devices, and medications lead to some of the most significant damage to consumer health and safety.
Who Could Be Held Liable in a Hartford Product Liability Claim?
One of the most challenging aspects of understanding product liability cases is knowing who compensates you for your injuries and other financial losses. These claims are tricky because more than one party may be liable. A Hartford product liability lawyer can evaluate your situation and identify all potentially liable parties, holding them responsible for their careless actions.
Depending on the situation, the following parties may be liable in a Hartford product liability claim:
- Product manufacturer
- Distributor
- Retailer or seller
An attorney can advocate for you and pursue compensation from one or multiple entities responsible for injuring you or your family.
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Product Liability Claim?
Typically, the key elements of a valid Hartford product liability claim mean proving:
- The product was defective and not altered by the consumer (manufacturing, design, or failure to warn)
- The defective product caused a significant injury, and the injury was a direct result of the defective product
- The injury caused financial losses
Deciphering complicated legal jargon and negotiating with a manufacturer or insurer is not something you want to do when coping with a significant injury. It is always in your best interest to discuss your claim with an experienced product liability attorney in Hartford. They can review your situation, outline your legal options for pursuing compensation, and advocate for you during the legal process.
Could I Still Have a Claim If the Product Has Been Recalled?
In some instances, companies recognize a product’s inherent dangers, or there have been so many issues and complaints that the company or federal government takes notice and issues a recall, removing the product from store shelves. Can you still file a product liability claim when a recall gets initiated?
Generally, the answer is yes. A recall shouldn’t impact your ability to exercise your legal rights and hold the careless company responsible for your injuries. However, companies may use a recall as part of their defense, saying the consumer should have known that a recall meant the product was unsafe for use. A skilled product liability lawyer can help combat company and insurer tactics, improving your chances of recovering the money you need for your medical expenses and other losses.
If you are concerned about product recalls, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission provides a list of updated recall and safety warnings.
Does Connecticut Have a Time Limit for Filing a Product Liability Claim?
Yes. In Connecticut, there is a time limit for filing a product liability lawsuit. Consumers injured by defective products must file their claims within three years of the accident date.
What Types of Compensation Could I Receive from My Product Liability Case?
The value of a product liability case depends on numerous factors, including the severity of the person’s injuries. An attorney can help calculate the value of your unique case. Generally, most victims injured due to defective products can seek compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Never accept money from anyone — such as the product manufacturer, their insurer, their lawyers, or a third party working on behalf of the manufacturer — without first consulting an experienced product liability lawyer in Hartford.
Contact a Hartford Product Liability Lawyer
Let the tenacious product liability team at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, help you pursue the compensation you deserve and hold manufacturers accountable for their carelessness. Contact our office to arrange a free consultation.
