Product Liability
Product liability is the area of law that holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when a defective or dangerous product causes injury to a consumer. It covers defects in design, flaws in the manufacturing process, and failures to provide adequate warnings or instructions. The goal is to ensure that companies prioritize safety and that injured individuals have a path to compensation. Product liability cases can involve anything from medical devices and pharmaceuticals to vehicles, consumer goods, or industrial equipment. Ultimately, the law protects the public by placing accountability on those who profit from bringing products to market.
Types of Product Liability
There are three main types of product liability claims. Design defects occur when a product is inherently dangerous due to the way it was created, even if manufactured correctly. Manufacturing defects happen when a product departs from its intended design during production, making it unsafe. Failure to warn or inadequate instructions arises when companies do not provide proper warnings about risks or clear guidance on safe product use.
Defective Medical
Devices
Cases involve implants, surgical tools, or medical products (such as pacemakers, hip replacements, or IUDs) that cause injury due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings. Because these products are meant to improve health, failures can result in devastating consequences for patients. Claims often require extensive medical testimony and documentation to prove the device directly caused harm. These lawsuits are also complex because they must navigate FDA regulations and approval processes.
Dangerous
Pharmaceuticals
Lawsuits arise when prescription or over-the-counter drugs cause severe side effects or health complications that weren’t properly disclosed. These cases may involve inadequate warnings, misleading marketing, or defective formulations that create risks for consumers. Patients may suffer long-term harm or even death, leading to significant damages in litigation. Many of these claims develop into large-scale, multi-district litigation when thousands of people are affected.
Motor Vehicles & Auto Parts
Cases include defective airbags, brakes, tires, seatbelts, or even entire vehicles that cause accidents or injuries. When these failures occur, they often result in catastrophic crashes with widespread consequences. Large-scale recalls frequently follow such cases, as defects can affect millions of vehicles worldwide. These lawsuits play a critical role in holding automakers accountable for safety lapses.
Tires
Consumer Products
Everyday items like appliances, children’s toys, furniture, or electronics can pose unexpected safety hazards. Defects may include choking risks, fire dangers, or the use of toxic materials that injure consumers. Because these products are widely used in households, the risk of widespread harm is high. Lawsuits not only compensate victims but also help force safer product designs and stricter consumer protections.
Industrial & Workplace Equipment
Defects in heavy machinery, tools, or protective gear often cause serious injuries on the job. These incidents can involve crushing accidents, chemical exposure, or equipment failures that compromise worker safety. Claims frequently intersect with workplace safety laws, creating complex legal battles between manufacturers, employers, and insurers. Successful cases encourage safer designs and stronger standards for industrial equipment.
Our Expertise On
Product Liability
At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.c.
At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., our firm has extensive experience representing clients in complex product liability cases across a wide range of industries. We understand the technical, medical, and regulatory issues involved and work with top experts to uncover evidence of design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.
Our attorneys have successfully secured significant verdicts and settlements against major corporations, holding them accountable for putting dangerous products on the market. With a proven track record, we are committed to protecting consumers and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Top Personal Injury Case Results
Our top product liability cases highlight record-setting verdicts and substantial settlements across industries such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. These results demonstrate our ability to take on large corporations and win meaningful compensation for clients harmed by defective products.
$32 Million Settlement
Record settlement for a client who suffered severe, permanent injury from a defective product.
$20 Million Jury Verdict
Verdict against PACCAR, Inc. after a truck hood defect caused an eye injury, awarding $10M compensatory and $10M punitive damages.
$1.1 Million
Verdict for a carpenter whose finger was amputated due to a defective Delta table saw.
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