San Francisco Defective Product Lawyers
Deaths and injuries that occur as a result of a defective product occur every year, despite the best efforts of government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When a consumer product is defective and causes serious injury, the manufacturer (and in some cases, other parties) may be liable for a victim's injuries. Some examples of defective products include:
- A car that accelerates unintentionally, causing a crash
- A tire that "blows out" and causes an SUV to rollover
- Flammable children's' pajamas
- Homeopathic cold remedies that cause permanent loss of smell
- Toning shoes like Skechers Shape-ups that cause serious orthopedic injuries.
- Contaminated food that causes salmonella poisoning
- Artificial spinal discs that cause paralysis.
When a product is placed on the market it should be safe and ready to use, as intended. Manufacturers and distributors who do not conform to safety standards and produce a product that is unsuitable for consumer use put the public at risk for serious injury or death. Consumers affected by a defective product have legal rights that may entitle them to compensation for any expenses related to their injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, future lost earnings and pain and suffering.
If you were the victim of a defective product or know someone who has been injured by a defective product, do not wait to seek the counsel of a San Francisco personal injury lawyer. Defective products may fall under the following categories:
- Dangerous consumer products
- Defective vehicles or vehicle parts
- Dangerous pharmaceutical products (drugs and over the counter medicines).
- Defective medical devices.
Defective Product Defects
Any product has the potential to cause serious injury. However, in order for a consumer or user to be entitled to compensation for an injury, the injured victim must be able to prove that the product was inherently dangerous or faulty. Reasons for a defective product are usually divided into three types of defects: design, manufacturing and marketing. Design defects are inherent in the product and even if properly used are deemed dangerous. Manufacturing defects occur when the product is being made. This means that not every product that comes off the assembly line is defective, it may only affect a few. Marketing defects occur when a corporation fails to properly advertise, offer instructions or provide warnings about the use of the product.
Understanding Product Liability Law
Product liability law is the area of law that governs injuries resulting from dangerous and defective products. Product liability law holds the manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, reseller or any other parties that are deemed responsible for putting a defective product on the market financially responsible for causing an injury or wrongful death. Determining what parties are liable for your injuries may be complex, depending on the chain of distribution of the particular product. A skilled San Francisco personal injury attorney at Estey Bomberger can investigate the cause of an injury and circumstances surrounding the defective product to determine who is liable.
Consult a San Francisco Defective Product Lawyer
Manufacturing defective products is a reckless act and companies must take corrective action in preventing any further harm to the consumer. If you were hurt or know someone that was harmed by a defective product, you are well-advised to speak to an attorney about your legal rights. With more than 70 years of collective legal experience, the San Francisco defective product attorneys at Estey Bomberger can help you hold the negligent or careless parties responsible. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for victims of dangerous and defective products. Contact us at (415) 877-1334 to reach a member of our firm to discuss your case.