Dangerous and defective products put users at risk of sustaining significant harm. Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, amputations, and wrongful death are often devastating results of defective products.
Whether you or your loved one’s injuries were caused by careless manufacturing, poor design, or mislabeled or missing warnings, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
The Canton product liability lawyers at Slater & Zurz will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the outcome you deserve. We will prove liability and the true extent of your losses, ensuring you obtain full and fair compensation.
Products That Can Cause Injury
Product liability cases involve an almost infinite amount of products. However, some common types of products that have been known to cause injuries and other losses include:
- Defective medical equipment
- Dangerous or tainted drugs or medication
- Poorly designed or manufactured power tools
- Faulty baby or child equipment
- Dangerous toys
- Equipment that fails to give adequate warning of dangers
- Poorly designed or defective car parts
Product Liability Claims in Canton, Ohio
Under Ohio law, consumers can seek compensation if their injuries fall under one of the following four categories.
Design Defect
A design defect does not occur during the manufacturing of the product. Rather, it is a result of poor design. These cases typically involve an entire product line, not just one item. An example of a design defect would include an SUV that was designed in such a way that made it prone to turning over and causing injuries.
Manufacturing Defect
A manufacturing defect occurs when a product is designed properly, yet an error is made while making the product. An example of a manufacturing defect is an electrical tool that had a component improperly installed, causing it to catch on fire.
Failure to Warn
A manufacturer, distributor, or seller can be liable for failing to provide adequate warnings about the potential dangers of a product if a consumer suffers injury or loss as a result. Also known as a “warning defect,” an example of “failure to warn” is a toy manufacturer that fails to warn the consumer of a choking hazard.
Breach of Warranty
A breach of warranty is a violation of an implied or express warranty. In other words, a manufacturer or seller failed to honor their guarantee or promises made about the product, such as its intended use or capability.
An example of a warranty breach is a claim made by the manufacturer that a ceiling fan makes no noise when indeed, the fan makes noise.
Securing Compensation After a Defective Product Injury
When you are injured or suffer other losses from a dangerous or defective consumer product, you have the right under Ohio law to seek compensation from all parties responsible for your losses. Damages secured in Canton product liability cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Costs for future medical care
- Rehabilitation
- Property repair or replacement
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death damages (if your loved one died from their injuries)
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Defective Product
No one expects to be injured by a product they purchased in good faith. Unfortunately, defective or dangerous products are frequent sources of injury to consumers. So what should you do if you unexpectedly sustain injuries from an item you purchased? Below are a few recommendations.
- Seek medical care – After making sure everyone is out of harm’s way, seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you feel fine, it is always best to seek medical attention to ensure all of your injuries are identified and treated promptly, giving you the best chance at a full recovery.
- Do not throw the product away – Make sure you keep the defective product, even if it is damaged or in several pieces. Also, try to locate the receipt for the purchased product.
- Take pictures – Document the injury and accident by taking pictures of your wounds and where the incident occurred. Also, be sure to take photos of any property damage related to the accident.
- Keep all of your medical records and bills – Be sure to hold onto any proof of your medical expenses and keep all treatment plans and assessments from doctors, physical therapists, pharmacists, etc.
- Contact a defective product injury lawyer in Canton – We recommend consulting with an experienced attorney right away. They can help you preserve evidence, identify responsible parties, and develop a course of action to help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.
- Act quickly – In Ohio, an injured victim has two years from the date of the injury to take action against the responsible parties. To ensure you act within this time frame, known as the statute of limitations, and aren’t denied your right to pursue compensation, we recommend taking action as soon as possible.
How an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer Can Help
Sustaining injuries from a dangerous or defective consumer product can be frustrating and stressful. Healing from your injury while also coping with its financial effects is no easy feat.
Fortunately, our Canton defective product injury attorneys are here to help you. We will immediately take on the process of seeking compensation, so you can focus on what matters most – getting better. Our skilled and aggressive attorneys will assist you in your product liability case by:
- Being readily available to answer your questions and address your concerns
- Keeping you apprised of any developments in your case
- Thoroughly investigating your case to uncover all of the facts
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Creating and executing an effective legal strategy
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
- Advocating skillfully on your behalf at trial, if necessary
When experience matters, Slater & Zurz is the leading choice. We will work hard and utilize all our resources to get you the justice you deserve.
Consult with Canton’s Top Product Liability Lawyers
At Slater & Zurz, we are committed to holding those responsible for defective product injuries accountable for their actions – or inaction. If you or a loved one sustained injuries while using a defective or dangerous product, we will help you secure maximum compensation for your injuries and the losses caused by those injuries.
Product liability cases can be challenging, especially when the responsible party is a large corporation. So when extensive experience, resources, and relentless determination matter, you can count on the Canton personal injury attorneys at Slater & Zurz. Call our office or reach out to us online to set up a FREE, no-obligation case review. (330) 968-2547.