Defective products cause thousands of injuries to consumers each year. If you were injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for any resulting injuries you have suffered. The following are tips on what to do when injured by a defective product:
Go to the Doctor
Seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. Your health is most important; keep in mind that for certain types of injuries, symptoms may not surface for some time so follow the doctor’s instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up visits. Also, be sure to maintain records of your doctor’s visits and any treatments prescribed.
Preserve the Evidence
Some defects are easy to identify while others may not be so obvious. Do not throw the defective product away; preserve it as evidence for your potential lawsuit. Common types of defective products include toys, food, vehicle parts, and dangerous drugs.
Document Your Injuries
Keep a written account of your injuries both immediately after the accident and over time. Take pictures of your injures, as well as the product to bolster the evidence in your case. Also, write down your account of what happened, including the date, time, and location of the incident, along with the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Know the Law
Understanding the law can help you present a strong case. Under products liability law, manufacturers or suppliers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products and warning customers of any known dangers associated with them. Those who manufacture or sell defective or dangerous products may be liable for any injuries caused by those products. There are three types of product defects that a plaintiff may assert in a products liability claim:
- Design defect: This is a defect inherent in the product’s design; it was flawed before it was even manufactured or put on the shelf.
- Manufacturing defect: A product that has a safe design but becomes defective during its manufacture or assembly is said to have a manufacturing defect.
- Marketing defect: This type of claim is not based on the design or the manufacture of the product but rather the way in which the product was marketed; for example, improper labeling, insufficient instructions, or inadequate safety warnings.
Any party in the chain of distribution can be held liable for injuries caused by the product, including manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors. They are all responsible for ensuring that the product meets the ordinary expectations of the consumer. When someone is injured by a product while using it the way it was intended to be used, the injured party may be entitled to compensation.
Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at McCann & Wall, LLC Help Those Injured by Defective Products
If you were injured by a defective or dangerous product, contact a Philadelphia products liability lawyer at McCann & Wall, LLC right away. We may be able to help you recover various types of compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, disability, and pain and suffering. Located in Philadelphia, Media, and Abington, Pennsylvania; Wilmington, Delaware; and Haddonfield, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout the surrounding areas. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 215-515-7644.