Southern Pines Defective Products Lawyer
When consumers purchase products, they typically assume that these products are safe to use as they are intended, but unfortunately, many products end up hurting consumers, rather than helping them.
Companies who manufacture and distribute defective products may be held liable for the damages caused to consumers through product liability claims. If you or a loved one used a product that caused injury, an experienced Southern Pines defective products lawyer could help you seek the compensation you need to reimburse you for the losses associated with your injuries, including any medical bills or lost wages. A capable attorney could advocate for you.
What are the Different Types of Product Defects?
There are a number of different types of product defects that can land product makers in hot water and leave them liable for injuries caused to consumers who use their dangerous products. Some of the most common product defects in North Carolina include manufacturing defects, design defects, and marketing defects.
Manufacturing Defects
Manufacturing defects occur when something goes wrong during the process of manufacturing the product. The product makers designed the product accurately, but the manufacturing went awry and the product did not turn out as designed. Food contaminated at the factory during packaging the process could be considered a manufacturing defect.
Design Defects
A design defect occurs prior to the manufacturing process when the product initially is designed. The designers failed to take all risks into consideration when creating the way the product would work, and thus the original design had unforeseen consequences. A car seat with straps that tend to collect debris, making the seatbelt difficult to unbuckle over time could be considered a design defect.
Marketing Defects
A marketing defect occurs when the product is marketed in a misleading or insufficient manner, or when packaging or product inserts fail to contain adequate directions and warnings. A pharmaceutical drug that fails to warn doctors and patients about potential drug interactions could be considered a marketing defect.
What is Comparative Negligence?
Under North Carolina law, victims who are found to be partially at fault in causing their own injuries may have their personal injury case prevented from going forward all together. For this reason, it is especially important to work with a skilled lawyer who has experience combating defense claims that the victim caused their own injuries, even in part.
Product makers typically claim that the consumer failed to use the product properly, or that they did not heed the warnings and directions provided. Only an experienced Southern Pines defective products lawyer can work to rebut such a claim by the defense.
Steps to Take Upon Discovery of a Defective Product
As soon as a consumer realizes that the product they purchased possesses defects that could potentially inflict an injury, they should stop using the product immediately. In the event the victim sustained injury while using the product, they should seek medical attention to create a legal record of the injuries they suffered. If the victim believes they deserve to be compensated for their injuries, they should get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible to identify the party responsible as well as to calculate the amount of damages owed.
How a Southern Pines Defective Products Attorney Could Help
Regardless of what type of defective product caused a victim’s injuries, or whether the victim worries they may be partially at fault, consumers hurt by dangerous products can consult with an experienced defective products lawyer in Southern Pines to determine whether the product manufacturer or distributor may be liable for any resulting injuries.
In some cases, many consumers are hurt by the same type of product defect, and they choose to ask the product maker for compensation as a large group or class of injured consumers. An experienced Southern Pines defective products lawyer could advise you regarding the best steps to take following a product liability injury.
