Consumers purchase countless products daily in the United States. Many of these items work as the maker intends them to without significant complications, and most individuals never expect a new toy, appliance, or other consumer product to cause harm to themselves or a family member.
Sadly, defects often exist, which can be hazardous and leave you with severe injuries. When a product causes damages, there are laws in place that allow you to hold the responsible party financially accountable with the help of a dedicated personal injury attorney. If you were hurt by a defective item or part, call our firm to speak with a Houma and Terrebonne Parish defective products lawyer to discuss the details of your incident.
Products that Commonly Cause Injuries
A defective product is an item that does not function as the manufacturer intends. Any product can be faulty, but some of the most commonly seen in liability claims include:
- Dangerous medications
- Medical devices
- Automobile parts
- Lawn care equipment
- Children’s toys and furniture
- Home improvement tools
- Furniture
- Kitchen appliances
Injuries from a product defect can range in severity from minor bruises and scrapes to more catastrophic forms of harm, including severe burns, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries. A skilled legal professional from the parish seat of Terrebonne could examine the details of an incident to help build a strong claim for damages and hold the manufacturer, designer, or retailer liable.
The Louisiana Products Liability Act
The Louisiana Products Liability Act provides guidance for residents who are injured by faulty items and devices. It entails all applicable statutes regarding defective products and the manufacturer’s liability when they cause harm. Under the Louisiana Revised Statute § 9:2800.51, when a product harms consumers in this state, the injured can pursue compensation under one of three categories.
Production or Manufacturing Defects
A defect within this category occurs while the product is in the production phase. Defects could include toxic chemicals entering the batch or a malfunction that causes the items to be faulty.
Product Design Defect
A design defect happens during the planning and blueprint process of the product. A design defect will usually cause every item the maker produced under that plan to be hazardous, with an elevated risk of causing harm.
Failure to Warn or Instruction Defects
A defect that falls within the failure to warn category does not advise consumers of all potential dangers. It could also mean that sellers or manufacturers did not provide adequate operating instructions. A diligent attorney in the parish seat of Terrebonne could explain these categories in further detail and help injured individuals understand their legal options.
Potential Compensation in Malfunctioning Product Lawsuits
In some civil claims, the defect may be a combination of two or more of the above scenarios. Regardless, the burden always lies on the injured to prove liability to recover compensation successfully.
Compensation amounts will vary depending on the specifics of the case. However, in successful claims, the award amounts usually cover, at minimum, the total amount of medical care related to the injuries resulting from defective products.
Damages could also cover lost pay from missing work while hurt and physical and psychological pain and suffering. A hard-working Houma and Terrebonne Parish defective products attorney could work to understand all the ways an injury has impacted someone’s life to create a settlement demand that properly reflects their needs.
Enlist the Help of a Houma and Terrebonne Parish Defective Products Attorney
If a malfunctioning or faulty item causes harm to you or someone you love, you could be eligible to collect compensation for your losses. A settlement could cover medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma and allow you and your family to get back on your feet. A compassionate Houma and Terrebonne Parish defective products lawyer could help you hold the negligent party accountable. Contact us soon to begin working on your case.
