Justice for Defective Product Injuries
At Boucher, LLP, we understand the stresses and challenges that come with being injured by a defective product. Our team of Los Angeles product liability lawyers is here to provide compassionate support and legal expertise to help you seek justice and fair compensation for your damages.
Understanding Product Liability
When you purchase a product, whether a household appliance, a vehicle, or a medical device, you expect it to be safe when used as intended. Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers to ensure that their products are safe for consumers. If a product is defective and causes harm, the parties involved in its production and distribution may be liable for the injuries and losses consumers suffer.
Types of Liable Parties
Determining liability in a product defect case often requires a thorough investigation into the defect, including design processes, manufacturing practices, quality control measures, distribution channels, and marketing strategies. Working with experienced Los Angeles product liability attorneys can help identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case for compensation.
Several parties may be liable for a product defect, depending on the nature of the defect and where it occurred in the product’s lifecycle. Some of the primary parties include:
Manufacturer
The product manufacturer is often the first party held liable and includes companies that design, produce, and assemble the product. Liability can arise from design defects, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings and instructions.
Distributor and Retailer
Companies distributing or selling the defective product can also be held liable. This includes wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and even online marketplaces. If they were aware of the defect or should have been aware but still made the product available to consumers, they can be held legally responsible for the consequences.
Component Manufacturers
In cases where a product contains parts or components from different manufacturers, each component manufacturer may be held liable for defects in their specific parts that contributed to the overall defect in the product.
Designers and Engineers
If the product’s design is inherently flawed and causes harm, the designers and engineers responsible for the design may be liable for design defects.
Advertisers and Marketers
In situations where misleading advertising or marketing campaigns contribute to consumer injuries (e.g., false claims about product safety), the advertisers and marketers may also face liability.
Testing Laboratories
If a testing laboratory fails to identify a defect during product testing, leading to consumer harm, it could be held liable for negligence.
Contractors and Assemblers
Parties involved in the assembly or installation of a product may be liable if improper assembly or installation contributes to the defect and subsequent injuries.
Proving Liability
Proving liability in a product liability case involves demonstrating the following elements:
- Defective Product—showing that the product had a defect, whether it was in the design, manufacturing process, or warnings/instruction;
- Causation—establishing a direct link between the defect and the injuries suffered by the consumer; and
- Damages—documenting the physical, emotional, and financial damages incurred due to the defective product.
Your Los Angeles product liability lawyers will help you determine the strength of your case and what evidence is necessary to prove who is responsible for your injuries.
Statute of Limitations in California
It’s crucial to act promptly if you believe you have a product liability claim. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a product liability lawsuit is typically two years from the date of injury or the discovery of the injury. Waiting too long to take legal action can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation.
What to Do If You Suspect a Product Liability Claim
If you suspect that you have a product liability claim due to injuries caused by a defective product, here are the steps you should take. By taking these steps and working with a skilled product liability attorney, you can pursue fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the defective product.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and well-being are paramount. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s crucial to get a professional medical evaluation to document your condition.
Preserve Evidence
To strengthen your case, it is important to preserve all evidence related to the defective product and your injuries, including:
- The product itself. Do not alter or discard the product, its packaging, or any components.
- Receipts or proof of purchase. Keep any receipts, invoices, or online transaction records related to the purchase of the product.
- Medical records. Obtain copies of all medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans related to your injuries.
- Photos and videos. Take clear photos or videos of the defective product, your injuries, and any relevant scenes (such as the accident site) before any changes occur.
If you think something may be helpful, keep it just in case. Your Los Angeles defective product lawyers can help you determine exactly what you need.
Document the Incident
Write down a detailed account of what happened leading up to the incident, the use of the product, the defect you encountered, and the resulting injuries. Include dates, times, locations, and any witnesses present.
Contact Los Angeles Product Liability Lawyers
Consult with experienced Los Angeles product defect attorneys as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help evaluate your potential case.
Follow Legal Guidance
Follow the advice and guidance provided by your attorney. They will help you navigate the complexities of a product liability claim, gather additional evidence if needed, negotiate with insurers or responsible parties, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies
Avoid discussing the details of the incident or your injuries with insurance companies or representatives of the company that manufactured or sold the product. Anything you say could be used against you later. Direct all communication to your attorney.
Boucher, LLP – Los Angeles Product Liability Lawyers
Don’t wait to seek the justice you deserve. Contact our Los Angeles product liability attorneys at Boucher, LLP, for a confidential consultation. We have represented injured consumers against some of the largest product and automotive manufacturing companies and will not hesitate to seek the compensation you deserve.
We’re here to listen, advocate for your rights, and help you navigate the complexities of a product liability claim.