Orlando Product Liability Lawyer | Your Justice Advocate
When you purchase or use a product, you trust it will function safely and effectively. Unfortunately, defective products are all too common and can cause severe injuries. You deserve proper compensation if a faulty product or a loved one has harmed you. An experienced Orlando product liability lawyer at Paul | Knopf | Bigger is here to fight for your rights and ensure justice is served.
Understanding Product Liability in Orlando
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers for any injuries caused by defective products. Over the past two years, product-related injuries have risen nationally. It is estimated that consumer products are the cause of 23,000 deaths and cause another 31 million injuries each year. In Orlando, product liability claims can arise from various issues, including:
- Defective household items: Everyday items such as appliances and electronics malfunctioning or having design flaws can cause significant harm.
- Unsafe vehicles: Cars with faulty parts or safety features can lead to severe accidents and injuries.
- Faulty medical devices: Defective medical devices can cause serious health complications and affect a patient’s quality of life.
- Dangerous drugs: Medications with harmful side effects or improper instructions can result in severe health issues or even fatalities.
These defects can lead to significant injuries and even long-term health problems, for which victims should seek compensation.
Types of Compensation Available in Florida Product Liability Cases
If a defective product has injured you, you may be entitled to several types of compensation to cover your losses.
Financial Losses
- Medical Expenses: Covering hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments like physical therapy. These expenses can quickly add up, making it essential to seek compensation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for missed paychecks due to injury-related absences. This ensures you can cover your living expenses while recovering.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: This reflects any long-term impacts on your ability to work and earn a living. It takes into account potential future income losses.
Non-Financial Losses
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. These damages recognize the personal impact of your suffering.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: For changes in appearance resulting from the injury. This compensation acknowledges the lasting physical consequences of your injuries.
- Mental Anguish: Addressing the psychological impact of the incident. Emotional trauma can be as debilitating as physical injuries.
How Our Orlando Product Liability Lawyers Can Help
Product liability cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties. Our team at Paul | Knopf | Bigger will handle every detail of your case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us if you have any questions at (800) 434-4327.
Collecting Evidence
We will gather essential evidence to support your claim, including:
- Medical records: Detailed documentation of your injuries and treatments.
- Testimonies from doctors: Expert opinions on the extent of your injuries and their causes.
- Photos and videos of the defective product and injuries provide visual evidence of the product’s failure and impact on you.
Proving Liability
Manufacturers and sellers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe. We will demonstrate that a defect in the product caused your injury, focusing on the following:
- Design flaws: Fundamental issues in the product’s design that make it unsafe.
- Manufacturing defects: Errors occurring during the production process.
- Inadequate instructions or warnings: Failure to provide proper usage instructions or warnings about potential dangers.
Negotiating a Settlement
Our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, we will file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court. We aim to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Managing Deadlines
In Florida, you generally have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). We will ensure your case meets all deadlines. Timely action is crucial to preserving your legal rights.
Common Product Liability Cases We Handle
Our Orlando product liability lawyers are experienced in handling various types of cases, including:
- Tire Failures: Defective tires can lead to blowouts and accidents, posing significant risks to drivers and passengers.
- Air Bag Failures: Malfunctioning airbags can fail to protect or even injure occupants during a collision.
- Seat Belt and Seat Back Failures: Failures in these critical safety components can lead to severe injuries in accidents.
- Defective Drugs: Harmful side effects or improper formulation of medications can cause serious health issues.
- Faulty Auto Parts: Defective car components, such as brakes or steering systems, can lead to dangerous situations.
- Defective Car Seats and Baby Strollers: Malfunctioning child safety devices can put young lives at risk.
- Dangerous Sports Equipment: Faulty equipment used in sports can cause severe injuries to athletes.
Notable Product Defects and Their Consequences
Air Bag Failures
Airbag failures can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Issues can include:
- Inadvertent Deployment: Airbags deploying without a collision can cause unexpected injuries.
- Late Deployment: Delays in airbag deployment can result in inadequate protection during a crash.
- Failure to Deploy: Airbags not deployed in an accident can leave occupants vulnerable to injuries.
The Takata airbag recall is a notable example, with defective airbags causing serious injuries due to metal shrapnel during deployment.
Defective Drugs
Defective medications can cause harmful side effects, leading to physical and emotional distress. Drug manufacturers must be held accountable for these injuries. Proper oversight and testing are essential to prevent such issues.
Seat Belt and Seat Back Failures
Seat belts and seat backs are crucial for passenger safety. Failures can result in serious injuries, such as:
- False Latching: Seat belts that appear fastened but not secure.
- Inertial Unlatching: Seat belts that unfasten during a collision due to sudden force.
- Webbing Failure: The material of the seat belt tearing or breaking during an accident.
Tire Failures
Tire defects, such as tread separations or sidewall failures, can cause dangerous accidents. Awareness of these issues increased following the Bridgestone/Firestone recall. Regular inspections and maintenance can help mitigate risks.
Steps to Protect Your Product Liability Case
If a defective product has injured you, take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Document your injuries and follow through with all treatments. Timely medical care is crucial for your health and your case.
- Obtain a Crash Report: If you are involved in a car accident, get a copy of your crash report. This official document can be vital evidence in your case.
- Limit Communication with Insurance Companies: Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting initial settlement offers. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Our legal team offers free consultations to discuss your case. Expert legal advice can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
Contact an Orlando Product Liability Lawyer Today
If a defective product has harmed you or a loved one, the attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger are here to help. We will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Call us at (800) 434-4327 for a free consultation: Speak with our experienced lawyers to understand your legal options.
- Visit our website to submit a Consultation Request form: Contact us online for prompt assistance.
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Let us help you navigate the legal process and achieve your deserved justice.
Sources:
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/consumer-product-injuries/
- https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-product-liability
- https://www.floridahealth.gov/statistics-and-data/florida-injury-surveillance-system/index.html
- https://www.cpsc.gov/epidemiology/CPSC_Only/intro_section.html