Why Are Product Liability Cases Complex?
You would think that only the manufacturer of a defective product can be held liable for a consumer’s injury. But that’s not always true. Sometimes, other companies or individuals involved in the manufacturing and distribution of a product are responsible for part of the damages in these complicated cases. The manufacturer, the retailer, and other entities within the supply chain of a product’s distribution can be liable in a defective product case.
When you contact us for a free injury consultation, we will look at all parties involved in the product’s supply chain. The manufacturer or company that owns the product is the first entity we will assess for liability. Since they are responsible for creating the product, they will be held liable for at least some of the damages involved in the case.
A manufacturer could be a large corporation or a small or mid-sized business. The size of the manufacturer does not matter, as any negligent company is responsible for defective products. Sometimes, a serious design flaw exists that we will uncover in the product. Bringing forth a suit will protect other innocent consumers from injury.
How are retailers responsible? A retailer may indeed have been unaware of defects in a product they stock and sell. However, the court views retailers as having legal responsibility for the products they market. A retailer may say they are ignorant as a defense against a lawsuit, but the court may still hold them accountable.
Sometimes, a wholesaler or distributor may be liable for damages, too. As a victim of a defective product, you have the legal right to bring forth a lawsuit against more than one party in the distribution chain. Many clients come to us reeling from the fallout of a defective product injury. They may face expensive medical bills, lost wages, and decreased earning potential. Through a well-prepared personal injury claim, they can recover the compensation needed to cover these losses as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Our dedicated legal team will answer any of your defective product-related questions and help put your mind at ease. Our Bend defective product lawyers will go over your case with a fine-toothed comb to determine who in the supply chain is responsible for your injury and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
