When a defective product harms a consumer, it can lead to debilitating and even life-changing injuries.
During a free consultation with a product liability attorney, you can find out what legal options are available to you.
Learn why people in the Lafayette and New Iberia, LA, area turn to the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy.
When a defective product harms a consumer, it can lead to debilitating and even life-changing injuries.
During a free consultation with a product liability attorney, you can find out what legal options are available to you.
Learn why people in the Lafayette and New Iberia, LA, area turn to the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy.
Product liability means that the designer or manufacturer is held liable for any defects in their products. Product liability law also means that these parties are responsible for providing adequate warnings regarding hazards that can result from improper use. It can also extend to others in the chain of distribution, such as the assembler or retailer.
In most product liability cases, the burden of proof falls on the plaintiff. This means that the injured party must prove that one or more parties in the chain of distribution was negligent, and that the harm was the result of some form of defect in the product.
UNDERSTANDING WHERE DEFECTS MAY ARISE
Liability for a defective product may fall on one or more parties within the chain of distribution. This can include:
The type of defect will typically help our product liability lawyers identify the responsible party. For example, if you bought a new car and its faulty tires contributed to an auto accident, both the car manufacturer and the manufacturer of the tires could be held liable. During an investigation, we might discover that the brakes were defective because an assembler missed a key step in the assembly process. In that case, the assembler would also be liable.
Our product liability lawyers can gather and assess evidence regarding a defective product. While building your case, we can consult with authorities in different fields that are relevant to the incident.
Knowledge of Product Liability Law
Our team has worked on a variety of product liability cases in the state of Louisiana over the years. We understand the nuances of consumer protection statutes and how they may apply to your case.
An Advocate for Your Best Interests
Companies have their own attorneys in their corner. Our product liability attorneys will not be intimidated by high-powered legal teams. We focus on achieving a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf.
When you work with our Lafayette law firm, we will help you meet filing deadlines and keep you updated on the progress of your product liability claim. Our lawyers will keep you in the loop.
TYPES OF PRODUCT DEFECTS
There are different types of product defects, all of which can result in catastrophic injury or death. These include defects in design, manufacturing, or marketing.
A design defect means that the product was faulty from the very beginning. In such situations, the manufacturer usually did not perform sufficient testing to reveal any design defects, or did not modify the product enough after identifying the defect. An example of a design defect is an SUV that is prone to rolling over when making sharp turns.
These defects can occur at any stage in the manufacturing process. Manufacturing defects can also include the manufacturing of components that are made by another company, such as brake pads. Manufacturing defects may be caused by mistakes on an assembly line, lack of quality assurance (QA), or problems with manufacturing machinery.
Marketing defects include insufficient package labeling, lack of safety warnings, and inadequate instructions. Products should include clear information on how the product should and should not be used. There may also be issues with false advertising. Misleading marketing may suggest that a product can be used in a way it wasn’t intended.
The state of Louisiana has a short amount of time to initiate a product liability case. Residents of Louisiana have just one year from the date of injury in which to file a product liability claim. Time is of the essence, which is why it’s important to request a free case review at our Lafayette law firm after you’ve been harmed by a defective product.
KEY ELEMENTS IN PRODUCT LIABILITY
If you or a family member suffered harm because of a defective product, there are certain elements that have to be established in order to achieve a favorable verdict or settlement:
The above seems straightforward, but it’s important to speak with a lawyer about what happened. We can determine if you have a lawsuit worth pursuing, and hold the responsible party accountable for harming you and endangering countless other consumers.
CONTACT OUR LAW FIRM ABOUT YOUR CASE
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury from a defective consumer good, a product liability attorney with the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can help. Our team will review the details of your case and hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and losses.
Our law firm serves the greater Lafayette and New Iberia area, and offers complimentary initial consultations. You can discuss your case for free with a product liability lawyer familiar with federal statutes as well as Louisiana consumer protection laws. This insight can give you a better idea of your various legal options.
To learn more about product liability claims and your legal options, contact our law office online. You can also request a free case evaluation by phone.