Product Liability Claims

A product liability claim is a legal case where a person seeks compensation for injuries, illnesses, or damages caused by a defective or dangerous product. These claims can be made against manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, or any party in the product supply chain. The law protects consumers by holding businesses accountable for the safety of their products.

Product liability claims can arise from a wide variety of products, including:

• Consumer goods (e.g., electronics, appliances, toys)
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• Food and drink products
• Vehicles and vehicle parts
• Industrial machinery and tools
• Clothing and personal care products

In a product liability claim, you can pursue compensation from any party involved in the design, manufacture, distribution, or sale of the faulty product. This could include:

• Manufacturers: Companies that designed, manufactured, or assembled the product.
• Suppliers: Wholesalers or suppliers who distributed the product.
• Retailers: Stores or online retailers that sold the product to consumers.
• Importers: Companies that imported products into the UK.

If a product is defective or dangerous in any way, all parties in the product’s chain of supply can be held liable for any injuries or damage caused.

A product liability claim can arise from several types of product defects, including:

1. Design Defects: When the design of a product is inherently unsafe, even if it’s manufactured properly.
2. Manufacturing Defects: When the product is defectively made or assembled, leading to a safety risk. This can happen due to errors in the production process.
3. Marketing Defects: This includes improper labelling, warnings, or instructions, which may cause harm if not followed properly. For example, a product without adequate warnings about its risks or proper usage instructions.

• Faulty Electrical Appliances: If you’ve been injured by an electrical appliance that overheated or malfunctioned, causing burns, electric shocks, or other injuries.
• Defective Toys: If a child is injured by a toy that broke easily, causing choking hazards or other injuries.
• Pharmaceutical Drugs: If you’ve suffered side effects or adverse reactions from a prescription drug or over-the-counter medication that was unsafe or poorly tested.
• Car Accidents: If a car accident occurred due to a defect in the vehicle or a vehicle part, such as faulty airbags, brakes, or steering systems.
• Food Contamination: If you became ill after consuming contaminated food or beverages, such as spoiled or mislabelled products.
• Defective Medical Devices: If a medical device such as a pacemaker, hip implant, or surgical tool failed to perform as intended and caused harm.

If you’ve been injured by a product or suffered damages due to a faulty item, it’s important to seek legal advice to determine if you have a valid claim. Some signs that you may have a product liability case include:

• The product was defective or dangerous when it was sold.
• The defect caused you injury or illness.
• The product did not perform as expected, causing you harm.
• You have incurred medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages as a result of the defect.

We offer free consultations where we can review your case and determine whether you have a valid product liability claim.

The process of filing a product liability claim typically involves the following steps:

1. Consultation: The first step is to contact a solicitor to discuss the details of the incident. We’ll assess whether the product was defective and whether you have a viable claim.
2. Gather Evidence: In product liability claims, it’s crucial to gather evidence to support your case. This includes photographs of the product, medical records, expert opinions, and any other documentation that shows how the defect caused your injury or harm.
3. Investigate the Defect: We will thoroughly investigate the product defect, working with experts to determine the cause of the problem. This can include product testing, expert analysis, and reviewing the manufacturer’s records.
4. Negotiating with the Defendant: We’ll negotiate with the responsible party (or their insurance company) to try to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries and losses.
5. Court Proceedings: If an agreement cannot be reached, we may take your case to court. However, many product liability claims are settled before reaching this stage.

If you win a product liability claim, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for treatment you’ve received for your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Lost Earnings: If you’ve been unable to work due to your injury, you can claim compensation for any wages or income you have lost.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Damage to Property: If the defect caused damage to your personal property, such as electronics or household items, you may be able to claim for the repair or replacement costs.
• Future Costs: If your injury requires ongoing care, rehabilitation, or therapy, you may be entitled to compensation for future expenses.