DEFECTIVE PRODUCT recovery LAW

Products liability is a legal term that refers to the responsibility held by manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers for any injuries or damages caused by their products. This area of law is critical for ensuring consumer protection and safety. Products liability generally revolves around three primary categories of defects: design defects, manufacturing defects, and defective instructions or warnings.

Design Defects

Design defects refer to inherent flaws in a product's design that make it unreasonably dangerous or ineffective. When a product is made precisely according to its design, but that design is inherently flawed, the product’s manufacturer can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. 

For instance, in the realm of medical devices, metal-on-metal hip replacements were once thought to be an improvement over previous models. However, over time, these devices were found to shed metal particles into the patient’s body, leading to a range of adverse health effects. Manufacturers, such as DePuy, faced thousands of lawsuits claiming that the design of these hip replacements was defective.

Similarly, in the automotive industry, the Ford Pinto was involved in a notorious case in the 1970s where its fuel tank design was found to be flawed. The fuel tank's placement made it vulnerable to rupture in rear-end collisions, causing fires and, in some cases, fatalities. Ford faced extensive litigation and ultimately recalled the Pinto.

Manufacturing Defects

In contrast to design defects, manufacturing defects occur when a product departs from its intended design during the manufacturing process. This means that while the design may have been safe, some error or lapse in the manufacturing process rendered the product unsafe.

One example in the realm of dangerous children's products is the recall of millions of drop-side cribs, which had been popular for decades. These cribs, though designed to be safe, often suffered from manufacturing defects that caused the drop-side to detach, creating a gap where infants could become trapped, leading to suffocation. The magnitude of this issue led to a ban on the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs in the United States.

In the vehicle industry, the Takata airbag recall stands as a prominent example of manufacturing defects. The airbags, manufactured by the Takata Corporation, were found to deploy explosively, injuring or killing occupants. This defect was due to the improper handling and processing of the propellant used in the airbags, and it led to one of the largest automotive recalls in history, affecting millions of vehicles.

Defective Instructions or Warnings

Defective instructions or warnings involve a failure to provide adequate instructions for safely using a product or failure to adequately warn users of the product’s inherent risks. 

One example involves dangerous drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are required to provide adequate warnings about the potential side effects and interactions of their medications. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any harm that results. For instance, Merck faced thousands of lawsuits related to its pain reliever, Vioxx, after studies revealed an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Many plaintiffs argued that Merck failed to adequately warn doctors and patients of these risks.

Similarly, household cleaners and chemicals that include toxic or hazardous materials are required to carry warning labels informing consumers of potential risks and proper handling procedures. For example, a cleaning product that contains bleach must have labels warning consumers not to mix it with products containing ammonia, as this can produce toxic fumes.

Products liability is a multi-faceted area of law that plays a crucial role in consumer protection. Whether the issue is with the design, the manufacturing process, or the instructions and warnings, manufacturers and other entities in the supply chain must ensure that their products are safe for consumers. In cases where companies fail to meet these standards, products liability law provides recourse for individuals who have been harmed. This is particularly important when it comes to products like medical devices, vehicles, children's or baby products, pharmaceuticals, and household cleaners, which have the potential to cause significant injuries or even fatalities if they are defective. Through vigilant regulation, legal accountability, and public awareness, products liability law helps to promote safety and justice in the marketplace.

Snable Stevenson & Silva Can Help You to Recover

Snable Stevenson & Silva is a formidable injury law firm that regularly represents clients who have suffered an injury due to a defective product. With a combination of experience, expertise, and client commitment, our firm is uniquely positioned to provide effective representation in product liability cases that include injuries suffered due to defective medical devices, vehicle recalls, dangerous children’s products, hazardous drugs, and dangerous household cleaners.

Understanding the intricacies of product liability law is a foundation of success. Our attorneys at Snable Stevenson & Silva are well-versed in the legal standards that apply to different kinds of product defects, be it design defects, manufacturing defects, or defective instructions and warnings. Our knowledge extends to both federal and state law, enabling us to devise effective legal strategies tailored to the specifics of each case.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

In product liability cases, demonstrating that the product in question is defective and that the defect caused injury is paramount. Our firm is adept at conducting comprehensive investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident. We gather and analyze evidence, which may include medical records, incident reports, product manuals, and expert testimony, to build a strong case for our clients.

Negotiation and Litigation

Product liability cases often involve going up against large corporations with extensive legal resources. Our attorneys are seasoned negotiators and litigators. Whether it is achieving a favorable settlement through negotiation or aggressively representing our clients in court, our firm’s approach is marked by tenacity and a commitment to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.

Client-Centric Approach

At Snable Stevenson & Silva, we understand that injuries due to defective products can have a life-altering impact on our clients and their families. That’s why we take a client-centric approach. We take the time to understand our clients’ needs and concerns, and we maintain open communication throughout the legal process. Our clients are kept informed and engaged, as we believe that empowering them is key to a successful legal journey.

Customized Legal Strategy

Every product liability case is unique and demands a tailored legal strategy. Our attorneys identify the strengths and weaknesses of a case and develop a customized plan of action. Whether we are dealing with a dangerous drug, a vehicle recall, or a hazardous household cleaner, our strategies are informed by a deep understanding of the specific industry and the laws that govern it.

Contingency Fee Structure

We understand that legal representation can be costly, and this can be a barrier for many injured individuals seeking justice. That’s why Snable Stevenson & Silva offers a contingency fee structure on products liability cases, meaning that our clients do not pay unless we win or settle the case. This ensures that our interests are aligned with our clients’, and that they can access high-quality legal representation without the worry of upfront costs.

When you entrust your injury case to Snable Stevenson & Silva, you are aligning yourself with a team of legal professionals who are committed to justice and excellence. Our combination of legal knowledge, comprehensive investigation strategies, negotiation and litigation experience, and client commitment makes us the ideal choice for representing an individual who has been injured due to a defective product. Let us be your advocates in seeking the compensation and peace of mind that you deserve.

Contact our Birmingham, Alabama Defective Product Lawyers Today for Legal Help

Have you or a family member recently been injured due to a faulty product or defective product in Birmingham, Alabama? Contact Snable Stevenson & Silva for immediate legal assistance and advice. You may be able to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Our qualified Alabama product liability lawyers can help you fight to secure a full and fair award.

We offer a free case evaluation and consultation. Contact our law office in Birmingham, Alabama to schedule yours today. If you can’t come to us, we can arrange a time to visit you. Consultations can be arranged at the hospital, your home, or even your place of business. There’s a limited amount of time to act, so give us a call to get started today.