New products hit the shelves every day. The process leading up to its place on the sales floor or in an industry setting is expected to include testing and steps to ensure it is safe to the people who end up using it. When the manufacturer fails to meet these criteria, they can be held liable for product liability. Although we often hear about large cases that spread nationwide, you can also file a complaint on the state level. If a product has caused you to be injured or become ill, a product liability attorney in New Jersey can guide you on the legal options available to you.
Attorney G. Martin Meyers explains that not only can manufacturers be liable, but the retailers who sell the products may be held responsible as well. There are many types of products that can result in an injury or illness. Some examples include:
- Automotive Design
- Baby Car Seats
- Heavy Equipment Products
- Chemical Products
- Vehicle Tires
- Food Products
- Medical Products
The Responsibility of the Manufacturer to Warn
When a manufacturer is aware of the potential dangers of using a product, they are legally obligated to warn users. The label on cigarettes and other tobacco products citing the potential to cause cancer is a good example. Failure to do so often results in a large number of people being harmed by the same product. Negligence, fraud, and failure to warn lead to a mass tort in which many people file a lawsuit together based on a cause that leads back to the same origin.
In 2007, there was a major recall of pet foods when a number of manufacturers obtained wheat gluten from China that resulted in the renal failure in pets. Many pet owners lost their pets but encountered problems because pets are considered property, not family members. Many who believed that Menu Foods knew about the problem before the recall have place civil action lawsuits against the company for the emotional distress the loss of their pet caused.
It is apparent that cases of product liability can be complex and far-reaching. Regardless of the level and scope of your complaint, your product liability attorney in New Jersey can tell you your rights and provide you with options for getting fair compensation for the suffering you have endured.
Losses Resulting from Product Liability
Depending on the injury or illness that a product causes, it can have an extensive impact on every area of your life. You may no longer be able to enjoy favorite activities or go to work. Medical bills can quickly add up, creating a mountain of debt that you can’t afford to pay. The loss of quality of life not only impacts you, but everyone who depends on you for companionship and financial support. The product liability attorney in New Jersey can help you determine if your injury or illness is due to the negligence of another person, company, or entity. If so, you may have legal recourse for eliminating some of the financial burden the situation has placed on you.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_pet_food_recalls