James Frazier | | Recalls
When it comes to defective products, consumers have the right to seek compensation for injuries or damages caused by these items. A Florida products liability lawyer at Paul | Knopf | Bigger is here to ensure you know your rights. 

Florida Products Liability Attorney: Latest Ford Recall Alert

When it comes to defective products, consumers have the right to seek compensation for injuries or damages caused by these items. A Florida products liability lawyer at Paul | Knopf | Bigger is here to ensure you know your rights.  If you reside in Florida and have experienced issues with a product, understanding your legal rights and the steps you can take is crucial. This is another product failure for Ford after it learned that tens of thousands of vehicles were potentially subject to steering loss.  Should you become injured as a result of a vehicle defect, it is important to understand the essentials of products liability law in Florida.

Florida Products Liability Lawyer: Navigating the Latest Ford Recall for Steering Loss

Ford Recalls Mustangs Over Potential Steering Issues

Recently, Ford Motor Company issued a recall for over 30,000 Mustangs from the 2022-2023 model years. This recall is due to a potentially faulty steering sensor that may lead to unintended steering movements, increasing the risk of accidents.  This is not the first recall this year for Ford. Ford has issued recalls for:

Details of the Recall

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected Mustangs may have a secondary steering torque sensor that was improperly calibrated. This defect could cause the steering wheel to move side to side involuntarily, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control.

Causes and Risks

  • Improper Calibration: The issue stems from inverted wires during machine maintenance at the supplier’s torque sensor calibration station.
  • Safety Concerns: Unintentional steering wheel movements can significantly increase the risk of crashes, although, as of June 28, no accidents or injuries have been reported due to this defect.

Ford’s Response and Solutions

Ford is committed to addressing quality issues promptly. To fix this problem, Ford offers a free update to the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software at any authorized dealer. Additionally, participating dealerships provide pickup and delivery services for customer convenience. Affected owners will be notified by mail, and those who previously paid for repairs related to this issue may be eligible for reimbursement until August 22, 2024.

How to Check If Your Mustang Is Affected

  • NHTSA Recall Check: Vehicle owners can enter their details into the NHTSA recall database to verify if their car is part of the recall.
  • USA TODAY’s Recall Database: Another option is to use USA TODAY’s recall database to check the status of vehicle recalls.

Understanding Florida Products Liability Law

When a product is defective and causes harm, several parties, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, could be held responsible. In Florida, the law ensures that these entities uphold strict safety standards to protect consumers.

When a product is defective and causes harm, several parties, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, could be held responsible. In Florida, the law ensures that these entities uphold strict safety standards to protect consumers.

Critical Elements of a Product Liability Case

To file a successful product liability lawsuit in Florida, certain elements must be established:

  • Injury or Damage: Injury or damage can include physical harm to a person, such as burns, fractures, or other medical conditions resulting from the product’s defect. Additionally, property damage can involve destruction or significant impairment of personal belongings, such as a fire caused by a faulty appliance or structural damage to a home due to a defective product. Both types of harm must be directly linked to the product’s defect to establish a valid product liability claim.
  • Proper Use: Proper use means that the product was utilized according to the manufacturer’s instructions and for its intended purpose. For instance, if an appliance is designed for indoor use only, operating it outdoors would not qualify as proper use. Establishing that the product was used correctly at the time of the incident strengthens the liability case. Misuse of the product can complicate the claim and potentially absolve the manufacturer of responsibility.
  • Defect: A manufacturing error occurs when something goes wrong during production, resulting in a faulty product that differs from the intended design. On the other hand, a design flaw means that the product’s blueprint itself is inherently unsafe, affecting every unit made according to that design. Identifying the type of defect is crucial, as it determines whether the issue is isolated to specific batches or affects the entire product line. Both types of defects can form the basis for a product liability claim if they lead to injury or damage.

Types of Product Defects

  1. Manufacturing Defects: Manufacturing defects can include issues like improper assembly, the use of substandard materials, or inadequate quality control. These errors result in products that do not perform as intended and pose a risk to consumers. For example, a batch of medication might be contaminated during production, making it harmful to patients. Identifying and proving a manufacturing defect is essential for holding the responsible parties accountable.
  2. Design Defects: Design defects mean the product is fundamentally unsafe, even when manufactured correctly and used as intended. These flaws are present in every product unit, making it dangerous for all consumers. For example, a car with a design flaw in its braking system poses a risk of accidents for every vehicle of that model. Addressing design defects often requires a complete redesign to ensure consumer safety.
  3. Marketing Defects: Marketing defects occur when a product lacks proper instructions or warnings, leaving consumers unaware of potential dangers. This can lead to improper use and subsequent injuries or damages that could have been avoided with adequate information. For example, if an electrical appliance lacks warnings about the risk of electric shock if used near water, users might inadvertently put themselves in harm’s way. Ensuring that all necessary precautions are communicated is vital to prevent such incidents.

Assessing Damages and Liability

Evaluating Your Case

A Florida product liability lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your case, considering the extent of injuries or property damage. Monetary compensation is often based on the severity of these damages.

Proper Usage

It is essential to demonstrate that the product was used as intended. Misuse of the product can shift liability away from the manufacturer and onto the consumer.

The Role of Warnings and Instructions

Products typically come with warnings to inform consumers of potential risks. If an injury occurs despite clear warnings and proper usage instructions, it may affect the viability of a lawsuit.

Paul | Knopf | Bigger - Florida Injury Attorneys

Seeking Legal Assistance

Consulting with a Florida product liability lawyer is crucial if you believe you have a product liability case. They can provide a thorough case evaluation and guide you through the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Florida Products Liability Lawyer at Paul | Knopf | Bigger

Do not hesitate to seek legal assistance if you have suffered an injury or property damage due to a defective product. Contact a Florida products liability lawyer at Paul | Knopf | Bigger today to discuss your case and explore your options for compensation. Fill out a free case evaluation form to begin your journey toward justice and recovery. Of, give us a call today at (800) 434-4327.

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