If you’ve suffered an injury due to a defective product in Maryland, your immediate response is crucial not only for your well-being but also for any subsequent legal action, which may take the form of a product liability claim. Swift action is vital, as it helps preserve key evidence. Please continue reading to learn the steps you should take if a product injures you, and how our knowledgeable Baltimore County Product Liability Attorneys can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
What Are Common Types of Product Liability Cases?
When you purchase a product, you reasonably expect it to be safe and function as intended. However, devastating injuries can result when manufacturers produce defective products. An experienced Baltimore County product liability attorney can help you determine which category the defect falls into. The most common types of product liability cases in Maryland are as follows:
- Design Defects: When the creator of a product neglects to incorporate vital safety measures, it can result in serious injuries. Victims must demonstrate that a safer alternative design existed that wouldn’t have compromised the product’s function.
- Manufacturing Defects: If the product’s design was safe, but the manufacturer deviated from the approved specifications during production, the victim may have a valid claim.
- Inadequate Warnings: If a manufacturer fails to include cautionary labels, alerting users to potential hazards if the product is misused, they can be held liable for resulting damages.
What Should You Do If a Product Injures You?
In the unfortunate event that you’ve been injured by a defective product in Maryland, it’s vital to take the right steps to ensure your health and safeguard your claim. In the immediate aftermath, you must seek medical attention. This is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, but also because it creates an official record, linking your injuries to the incident. This prevents insurance companies from questioning gaps in your care or claiming that your injuries were not serious or were pre-existing.
Following prompt medical attention, secure physical evidence. The product that caused the injury is a key piece of evidence. Under no circumstances should you discard, try to fix, or alter the product in any way. Make sure you collect and keep track of all relevant items, including packaging and instructions.
If you can, document the incident by snapping photographs and taking videos of the defective product and any visible injuries. You should also hold onto any receipts and jot down some notes explaining how the injury happened. Witnesses can corroborate your account, so obtain a written or recorded statement of what they observed.
From here, you should report the incident to the retailer or seller, as well as the manufacturer. Depending on the unique circumstances, it may be necessary to inform relevant governmental or regulatory authorities.
Finally, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of the dedicated legal team at Markey & Orsi. Our attorneys are prepared to help you pursue fair compensation. Connect with our firm today to schedule a consultation.