Though you likely don’t think about it, you come into contact with hundreds of products daily, from your alarm clock and coffee maker to your phone and car. As these items are integrated into daily life, you likely don’t even give them a second thought when using them. However, when these products cause injuries, they can leave you suffering and drowning in medical bills. Unfortunately, this is the reality for millions of Americans injured by defective products annually. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn who can be held liable with the help of Baltimore County product liability attorneys.
What Makes a Product Defective?
A product is deemed defective if it has a flaw that makes it unsafe for use. There can be issues with the design, manufacturing, or marketing of an item rendering it dangerous for consumers.
A design flaw is an inherent issue with the conception and blueprint of a product rednering unsafe for use. This could be because the designer failed to consider the safety aspects in the design of the product itself. On the other hand, a manufacturing error occurs when a perfectly safe product undergoes a mistake in the production process. In some instances, this can be something seemingly insignificant, like forgetting to tighten a single screw.
Not only can issues arise when a product is not designed or produced correctly, but you can also experience issues when something is not labeled properly. If there aren’t proper warning labels on a product explicating hidden dangers, it can lead to unnecessary injuries for consumers.
Who Can Face Liability for Injuries Caused By Defective Products?
Injuries caused by defective products can lead to a lifetime of pain and suffering for those impacted. As such, ensuring you understand what compensation you are entitled to and who can be held liable for the pain you’ve endured is critical.
Generally, in personal injury cases, you can recover economic damages, which account for actual monetary losses like medical bills, and non-economic damages, which are more subjective losses like loss of enjoyment of life. It is essential to note that in Maryland, if you are discovered to have contributed to the accident in any way, you will be barred from collecting damages. This is because Maryland is a contributory negligence state.
While generally, the designer or manufacturer of a defective product will be held liable, you can also file a suit against the retailer where you purchased the product. Though they did not create the product, they are still responsible for ensuring the items on their shelves are safe for consumers. Additionally, if a product is recalled, retailers must remove it from their shelves and online stores immediately.
If you or a loved one have sustained injuries caused by a defective product, the legal process of recovering compensation for the injuries you endured can be complex. As such, it’s in your best interest to consult with a dedicated attorney to discuss the details of your case. At the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi, our legal team is ready to fight for you. Contact us today to learn how we can help if you’ve suffered because of the negligence of another.
