Our product liability lawyer in Santa Rosa can help you determine your legal options after getting injured by a defective product. Defective products can cause serious injuries and financial burdens for those affected. When a product fails due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warnings, injured parties may have legal options to seek compensation.
Santa Rosa personal injury lawyers at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys treat each client as family. We are committed to helping injured parties understand their rights and options. Our legal team provides personalized support throughout the legal process, ensuring accident victims receive the attention and guidance they deserve.
Product Liability Explained by a Lawyer
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of a product manufacturer, distributor, or retailer when a defective product causes injuries. These cases fall under personal injury law and can result in a product liability lawsuit if a consumer suffers harm due to a dangerous product. Individuals who experience personal injuries because of a defective product may have the right to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
Three Main Types of Product Defects
A product liability claim usually involves one or more of the following defects:
- Defective Design: A flaw in the product’s design makes it unsafe even when used correctly
- Manufacturing Defect: Errors during the manufacturing process cause a product to become hazardous
- Failure to Warn: The product lacks proper warnings or instructions about foreseeable risks, increasing the chances of injury
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Different parties may be liable for a defective product, including:
- Product Manufacturer: The company that designed or produced the product
- Distributor or Retailer: Businesses that sell or supply the product.
- Third-Party Vendors: Other companies involved in the distribution chain
Product liability cases can be complex, often requiring expert witnesses, witness statements, and evidence to prove fault. Injured individuals may file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim if a dangerous product leads to the death of a loved one. Whether the case results in a jury verdict or a settlement, injured parties have the right to seek a fair trial and fair compensation for their losses.
California’s Product Liability Laws
California law follows a strict liability standard for product liability cases, meaning that injured parties do not have to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused harm. This allows victims to hold manufacturers and other liable parties accountable without needing to prove intentional wrongdoing.
However, the California Statute of Limitations may affect product liability claims. In California, injured individuals generally have:
- Two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit
- Two years from the date of a loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death claim
- Three years to file a claim for property damage caused by a defective product
Exceptions may apply, such as cases where an injury was not immediately discovered. Failing to take legal action within the allowed time can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Possible Damages in Product Liability Cases
When a dangerous product causes harm, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation through a product liability lawsuit. The damages awarded depend on the severity of the injuries, the impact on the person’s life, and the actions of the responsible party. These damages generally fall into different categories.
Compensatory Damages
These damages aim to cover financial losses and emotional suffering caused by a defective product. They can include:
- Medical expenses: Costs related to emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and other treatments.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: Compensation for income lost due to injuries and any lasting effects on a person’s ability to work.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for damage to personal property, such as a vehicle affected by a defective automobile.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for mental and emotional struggles caused by the injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the inability to engage in daily activities or hobbies.
Non-Economic Damages
In some cases, a personal injury lawsuit may also seek non-economic damages, which account for the emotional and psychological effects of an injury. These damages often include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the injury.
- Loss of consortium: The impact of the injury on relationships with family members.
Punitive Damages
If the liable party acted with extreme negligence or knowingly placed consumers at risk, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to hold negligent parties accountable and discourage similar actions in the future.
A Santa Rosa product liability attorney can help injured individuals or families understand how much their personal injury case may be worth in California. Whether pursuing a fair settlement or taking a case to trial, injured parties have the right to seek financial recovery for their losses.
(310) 526-8383Common Injuries in Product Liability Cases
Defective products can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor harm to life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries reported in product liability cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Caused by defective safety equipment or faulty vehicle parts in truck accidents or motorcycle accidents
- Back injuries: Unsafe medical devices, defective automobiles, or workplace accidents involving faulty equipment can cause from bruises to Spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries: Occurring due to flammable products, electrical defects, or malfunctioning consumer devices
- Amputation injuries: Caused by defective industrial or construction equipment
- Internal injuries: Stemming from defective medical devices or dangerous consumer products
The severity of these injuries often leads to long-term medical care, loss of earning capacity, and emotional distress. Injured parties may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
A Santa Rosa Product Liability Lawyer Can Answer Your Questions
Product liability cases can involve detailed legal procedures and significant financial losses. Whether dealing with medical devices, consumer products, or defective automobiles, accident victims may need legal guidance to determine their options.
Our product liability lawyer in Santa Rosa at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can explain California’s product liability laws and assess whether you have a personal injury claim. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a defective product, learning about your rights can be an important step toward financial recovery.
