Recover Damages with the Help of a Defective Products Attorney
If you have you been injured, lost wages, or suffered other damages because of a product you used, you may be able to recover damages with the help of a defective products attorney. An attorney who specializes in this area can determine if you have a defective product claim to make against the manufacturer, retailer or distributor by identifying the types and amounts of damages you have suffered and the cause of the accident. In some cases defective products affect a large number of people; bringing the possibility of joining or starting a class action lawsuit. If you believe that you suffered an injury from a defective product because of the negligence of another contact a defective products attorney for a consultation.
There are four theories of liability that can help determine if you have a defective products case:
- Breach of express warranty: the written warranty on a product/packaging or retailer signage/advertising says a product is good for a certain type of usage, but when you use it in that way you are injured.
- Breach of implied warranty: an implied warranty is one imposed by state law on the manufacturer.
a. The implied warranty of merchantability says that the product must be reasonably fit for the purpose it was sold.
b. The implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose imposes an additional obligation of product fitness when a seller is aware of the buyer’s intended use for that product.
3.Strict products liability vs. negligence:
a. Many jurisdictions allow for strict product liability arguments which mean that all you have to prove is that the product is defective and the defect caused your injury.
b. If you are forced to prove negligence, then, in addition to proving that the defective product caused your injury, you also need to prove that the manufacturer or supplier was not adequately careful in building or distributing their product.
4. Intentional misrepresentation/fraud: when you prove through a company/corporation’s records that it “knew” about a product’s defect but sold it anyway using false or misleading advertising or statements.
The purpose of pursuing a defective products claim is to gain compensation to which the plaintiff is entitled. Plaintiffs are awarded compensation based on the damages that they have suffered. The settlement refers to the sum of money paid to the winning plaintiff in a defective product lawsuit. State law determines the type and amount of damages you can seek and recover but they all fall within two camps: compensatory and punitive.
Compensatory damages or “actual damages” aim to compensate a plaintiff for their injuries. A dollar value is attached to each injury or financial loss and is paid by the defendant to restore the plaintiff to their original condition. If the plaintiff’s original condition cannot be returned, as in the case of permanent injury, a dollar sum is awarded based on the value of the injury.
Compensatory damages for economic losses, also called “special damages” and “monetary losses”, references lost money or property due to the injury.
Most common economic losses:
- Lost wages or profits
- Medical expenses
- Cost of disability (adapting to new lifestyle or ongoing expenses)
- Property loss or damage
Compensatory damages for non-economic losses, also called “general damages” and “non-monetary losses”, aim to compensate the plaintiff for losses that are more difficult to quantify such as physical or emotional suffering.
Most common non-economic losses:
- Pain and suffering. Defective product attorneys generally look at past injury cases to determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to for loss of enjoyment of life, pain and anguish. Compensation can vary widely in this category.
- Loss of consortium also called “loss of society”. Compensation can be given for negative impacts on your spousal relationship including lost emotional support and affection, damaged sexual relations and companionship. Your spouse may also have a case for damages in this category.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
