Defective Products Cause Catastrophic Injuries
In today’s consumer-driven society, the purchase and use of products have become an integral part of our daily lives. We trust that the products we buy will function as intended and not pose any harm to us or our loved ones. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Unscrupulous product manufacturers can put profits over people’s safety. They may rush products to market that aren’t ready or that haven’t been fully tested. When these defective products cause catastrophic injuries, the manufacturers must be held liable.
A defective product attorney in San Bernardino can help you file a claim against the manufacturer after a defective product harms you or someone you love.
Understanding Defective Products
Defective products refer to goods that do not meet the standards of quality, safety, or performance set by the manufacturer or intended design. These products deviate from their intended design or function, posing risks to consumers during regular use.
Several types of defects can occur in products, including manufacturing defects, design defects, and marketing defects.
Manufacturing Defects – These defects occur during the production or assembly process of a product. They may result from errors, flaws, or deviations from the manufacturer’s intended specifications. Manufacturing defects typically affect only a limited number of products within a specific batch or production run. For example, a car with a faulty brake system due to an error during the assembly process could be considered a manufacturing defect.
Design Defects – Design defects refer to inherent flaws or problems in the product’s design, making it unreasonably dangerous for its intended use. Unlike manufacturing defects, design defects affect every unit of the product produced. These defects arise from errors or shortcomings in the product’s blueprint or engineering, making the product inherently unsafe or unreliable. An example of a design defect is a child’s toy with small detachable parts that pose a choking hazard.
Marketing Defects – Marketing defects relate to failures in adequately warning consumers about potential risks associated with a product’s use. These defects involve inadequate labeling, insufficient instructions, or a lack of proper safety warnings. If a product does not provide sufficient information on how to use or handle it safely, and this lack of information harms the user, it may be considered a marketing defect. For instance, if a medication fails to include proper warnings about potential side effects, leading to harm to the user, it can be classified as a marketing defect.
Defective products can lead to catastrophic injuries for consumers. Manufacturers must ensure that their products are safe for consumers. When a defective product causes harm, product liability comes into play. Product liability holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for injuries or damages caused by their defective products. Depending on the jurisdiction, liability may be based on strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty.
Manufacturers can be held liable for compensating victims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the defective product. They may also face legal penalties, recalls, or other regulatory actions, depending on the severity of the defect and its consequences.
Example of Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Defective Products
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases involving faulty vehicle parts that have resulted in severe injuries or fatalities. One notable example is the Takata airbag recall, which affected millions of vehicles worldwide. Defective airbags manufactured by Takata were found to explode upon deployment, releasing shrapnel into the vehicle cabin and causing injuries and deaths. Another example is the General Motors ignition switch recall, where faulty ignition switches could turn off the engine while driving, disabling airbags and power steering, leading to accidents and fatalities.
Injuries Caused by Defective Products
Defective products can cause a wide range of injuries, depending on the nature of the defect and the product involved. While many of the injuries caused by defective products are minor, some result in lifelong pain and suffering, as well as permanent disability and impairment.
Common types of injuries caused by defective products include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Fractures, sprains, and strains
- Burns
- Amputation
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Internal organ damage
- Electrocution injuries
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Nerve damage
- Respiratory issues
- Chemical burns
- Rashes
- PTSD
Defective products can tragically result in death, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. For instance, a faulty car seat or crib can lead to suffocation or entrapment, while defective medical devices or medications can have fatal consequences for individuals with compromised health.
Defective products can potentially cause catastrophic injuries, impacting individuals physically, emotionally, and financially. Manufacturers, regulators, and consumers must work together to ensure product safety and prevent harm. When they do not, they can be held accountable.
By holding manufacturers accountable, promoting consumer education, and demanding stricter safety standards, we can create a safer marketplace and protect ourselves and our loved ones from the devastating consequences of defective products.
Contact Our San Bernardino Defective Products Attorneys
When you need someone to go toe-to-toe with manufacturers and design companies, we are the only call you need to make. Our product defect lawyers fight for consumers’ rights, and we know how to hold negligent product manufacturers accountable.
If you’re looking for a defective product lawyer you can count on, call a San Bernardino product liability lawyer today at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. We are here to get the help you need to move forward. Call (909) 890-1000 or complete our confidential contact form today.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.