If a company puts out a defective product and it causes injuries or illness, it can be sued over it. If you or a loved one were injured by such a product and you are thinking about pursuing legal action, we can help. A San Mateo County, California motor vehicle accident lawyer from our firm can help guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
When Should I Sue Over a Defective Product?
You have to show a few things when you sue over a defective product. You must have:
- Proof of injury
- Proof of defect
- A link between the defect and the injury
- Proof of proper use
So what this means is that you have to be able to show that you were injured by a product even though you used it as you should have. The defect in said product caused your injuries even though you did everything right.
If you were using the product in a way it was not intended to be used, any injuries can probably not be blamed on the manufacturer. We see this a lot with vehicles. Improper modifications and the use of cars in situations that they are not built for rarely have happy endings, but that can hardly be blamed on the company that built and sold the car.
Who Can Be Held Liable For the Harm Caused By a Defective Product?
When a defective product does cause harm, the blame usually lands on the manufacturer first. They should have held themselves to a higher standard and checked the parts or products that they made before sending them out in the world. They are not the only liable party in some cases though.
Sometimes the seller of the product can also be held liable, provided they had some input into the defective product’s design. The manufacturer of a particular component could also be held responsible for harm caused. For example, a car gets into an accident due to poorly made tires. The tire manufacturer could be held liable in addition to the car manufacturer, who should have checked the quality of the tires before selling a vehicle to someone.
How Long Do I Have to Pursue Legal Action Over a Defective Product?
When you are injured by a defective product, you do not have unlimited time to act. The state of California gives you just two years to begin the legal process. That can seem like a lot of time, but as you recover from your injuries and try to get back to your normal life that time can fly by. This is why you should meet with our legal team. A personal injury lawyer from your firm can take your case and get the legal process started for you while you focus on yourself and your family.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you are ready to pursue damages and hold an irresponsible manufacturer responsible, contact the Law Offices of Allister R. Liao. We can help you fight for compensation that will make up for the harm caused by that defective product.