PITTSBURGH DEFECTIVE PRODUCT ATTORNEY

A consumer product might have a defect if designed or manufactured improperly, making it dangerous for consumers. A product can also be defective in the eyes of the law if a manufacturer fails to supply adequate warnings or instructions for its use. In detail, defective products can occur due to the following:

Faulty Design

A product, for example, a car or electric appliance, can create a danger for consumers if it contains an error or flaw due to improper design. An example of a dangerous design flaw includes top-heavy cars that easily roll over in an accident. Other examples of faulty design include:

• A chest of drawers prone to toppling over
• Unduly flammable clothing
• Electric appliances melting or exploding on the highest setting

Notably, faulty design usually affects all products of the same type and production line.

Manufacturing Error

Manufacturing errors arise when a product is put together incorrectly or contains a faulty part. Unlike design mistakes, a manufacturing error might only affect a small number of products or a single product rather than an entire line. Examples of manufacturing errors that could give injured consumers legal recourse include:

• Contaminated medications
• Defective car brakes or steering
• Improperly installed electrical equipment in cars
• Faulty electrical appliances

It is critical to note that a manufacturer must not necessarily act negligently or maliciously to be liable for manufacturing defects.

Marketing Defect or Failure to Warn

When marketing a product, a manufacturer must do so with consumer safety in mind. This includes warning about a product or medication’s risks, hazards, and side effects. Marketing defects can cause significant harm to consumers. Examples of failure to warn adequately include:

• Improper warning labels
• Partial or incorrect instructions
• Failure to warn of hazards
• False advertising

In theory, any product we use could have a defect and jeopardize our health and safety. However, common cases we see in our practice involving faulty consumer products include:

• Medications
• Cars and other motor vehicles
• Safety devices such as airbags and seat belts
• Medical devices
• Household appliances
• Children’s toys
• Foods
• Cosmetics

If you or a loved one got harmed by a defective product, you must determine who is responsible. The manufacturer, while often implicated, is not the only party that could be liable for compensating you. Potentially, anyone involved in the distribution chain of a defective product could be responsible for victims’ damages, such as:

• The product manufacturer
• The distributor or retailer
• The product’s wholesaler
• The company installing or repairing a product

Depending on the specifics of your defective product claim, you could have a case against one or multiple defendants. Identifying all responsible parties in a dangerous product’s distribution chain can be challenging, but it is necessary to explore all avenues for compensation. Consulting a defective product lawyer in Pittsburgh as soon as possible can give you the best chance of winning compensation.

What you can recover in a dangerous product lawsuit will depend on your specific case and damages. If you suffered a life-changing or disabling injury, you could receive a considerable settlement, including the following damages and others:

• Medical expenses and future healthcare costs
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Inconvenience
• Permanent disability
• Punitive damages

While punitive damages are generally rare in personal injury cases, a court may decide to award such damages as a punishment and deterrent for particularly egregious or reckless conduct. The victim would then receive punitive damages in addition to compensation.

If you are injured by a defective product, your health is of the utmost priority, followed by preserving your legal rights. The best step to safeguard both is to see a doctor as soon as possible for a medical evaluation. A medical provider can assess and treat your injuries and provide a medical report. Gathering adequate evidence proving your injuries is crucial for holding a responsible manufacturer or distributor liable for your medical bills and other expenses.

Once you have received medical help, consider consulting a defective product lawyer in Pittsburgh to understand your rights and determine whether you could seek damages with a legal claim.

The quickest and easiest way to discover whether you have legal recourse is by contacting Morgan & Morgan for a free and confidential case evaluation. Our dangerous product attorneys can review your case and determine whether you could sue a manufacturer or another party. Morgan & Morgan has helped countless victims of dangerous products recover the settlement they deserve. We could help you too get the compensation you need and deserve.

Product liability claims are not always clear-cut and can be complicated. In some cases, victims could be partially responsible for the incident that caused their injury. While in Pennsylvania, you could still file a lawsuit against the responsible party, you can only do so if your degree of fault is smaller than the defendant’s. In other words, if you are 51 percent to blame for your injury, the courts will generally bar you from seeking compensation in Pittsburgh.

Moreover, while you may still be able to receive damages even if you are partially to blame for your injury, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Therefore, working with a dangerous product lawyer will be crucial in claims where responsibility is shared, and liability may be hotly debated. The other side may try to assign you a higher degree of fault, meaning you could lose the right to legal recourse and damages. An attorney can level the playing field and ensure you are treated fairly.

The burden of proof will fall on the victim bringing the lawsuit, called the plaintiff. To recover damages, you must prove that:

1. The product was dangerous or defective
2. You suffered an injury and damages as a result
3. Your injury was caused by a design, manufacturing, or marketing defect

Evidence needed to prove your claim and damages can include, among other materials:  

• The dangerous product itself
• Medical reports detailing your injuries
• Photos or videos of the incident or defect
• Expert witness testimony
• Proof of medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses
• Pay stubs and bank statements detailing your wage losses

An attorney from our law firm could help to gather the evidence required to prove your claim and hold a manufacturer or retailer responsible for your injury and losses.

You may wonder whether you have a claim even if you no longer possess the product that caused your injury. While you may still be able to pursue compensation, your case will be more complicated. Without the product, it can be tough to build your case since nobody can review or inspect the item and the defect.

That said, if a dangerous product hurts you, the only way to discover your legal options is to talk to a product liability lawyer who can assess your circumstances and determine whether you still have a case. Morgan & Morgan offers free, no-obligation consultations, helping you figure out your next best steps.

Product liability claims can be tricky and stressful to litigate. You might have to stand up to a powerful global corporation and deal with complex technical topics. A specialized defective product lawyer in Pittsburgh can take the burden off your shoulders and handle your lawsuit from start to finish while you can concentrate on your recovery. Morgan & Morgan knows how to handle dangerous product claims effectively and can:

• Determine all responsible parties in your claim
• Calculate the true value of your claim
• Gather the evidence required to prove your case and your losses
• Providing technical expert witnesses to strengthen your case
• Fight vigorously for maximum potential compensation

When Morgan & Morgan handles your case, the fee is free unless you win and receive compensation.

Unfortunately, some incidents with dangerous products prove fatal. In particular, defective vehicle parts, such as brakes, seat belts, and airbags, can cause catastrophic injuries and deaths. Dangerous electrical appliances can occasionally cause fatalities when they explode or catch fire. If your loved one passed away due to an unsafe vehicle or another hazardous product, you could qualify for damages with a wrongful death lawsuit.

Damages the family of a deceased victim could recover may include the cost of a funeral and burial, compensation for loss of income from the deceased, and more. If you believe you have a wrongful death case, you should seek help from an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Our compassionate defective product lawyers can be here for you during the most difficult time in your life.

According to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes: Title 42 § 5524, those impacted by a dangerous product generally have two years to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. However, seeking timely legal advice as soon as possible can work to your advantage in a defective product claim. An attorney can start on your claim immediately and gather critical evidence that might otherwise disappear.

Moreover, if you miss the deadline, you may be forever prohibited from getting justice and compensation for your injury. If a dangerous product hurts you or a loved one, our defective product lawyers in Pittsburgh could help you get the best result as quickly as possible, helping you to move on with your life.

Knowing the fees your attorney charges is crucially important. If you work with a lawyer who charges hourly fees or upfront retainers, you risk being responsible for paying attorney’s fees whether you win or lose your case. To avoid facing a considerable financial burden on top of your costs from the injury, ensure that your defective product lawyer works on a “no-win-no-fee” basis, a so-called contingency.

When you work with Morgan & Morgan, we won’t charge you a dime to work on your claim, no matter how long it takes. We only get paid when we resolve the case in your favor, and you receive damages. Therefore, there are no financial risks when you hire us. We win when you win - and only when you win.

When you or a loved one are harmed by a defective product, getting justice and compensation can be challenging. However, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. We can be by your side, helping you prove your claim and fight powerfully for the best outcome of your case.

Our tenacious defective product lawyers in Pittsburgh want to help injured victims and their families recover a fair settlement and hold manufacturers responsible for their failures. Contact us now to find out whether we can help you get compensation.