Harmful Design Defects May Be Grounds for a Product Liability Suit
The lawyers of Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC are committed to injury victims based in and around Oklahoma City. Our team of attorneys provide strong legal counsel in even the most complex cases, including those that involve defective products.
Product liability lawsuits hold negligent companies accountable, giving consumer a voice following serious injuries. One potential cause of injury is a defect in a product's design, a matter that we'd like to discuss right now.
About Design Defects
Design defects refer to any inherent issues with the nature of the product that are present at the design phase. This means that the product has major issues with safety from the outset before it is made or distributed. Should the product become damaged, defective, or pose a danger as a result of some mishap in manufacturing or distribution, this is a different matter entirely.
Examples of Dangerous Design Defects
One example of a serious design defect involves poor weight distribution in motor vehicles. Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) have a higher center of gravity, which means that they are more likely to rollover and cause serious harm. If it can be demonstrated that the higher center of gravity is a defect of the design of a vehicle and said defect led to serious injury during a collision, this may be grounds for a product liability lawsuit.
Another example worth considering involves children's toys. If a toy for a very young child has sharp edges or corners, or if the toy has small pieces, this could lead to serious injuries, such as cuts, choking, or suffocation.
Businesses Have a Responsibility
Businesses should exercise caution whenever they put a product on the market. The products that they design should be as safe as possible, not causing harm to consumers when they are used as directed. Proper quality control and safety tests should be performed, and products should at the very least meet national safety standards.
This is why it's important to hold negligent companies accountable for serious design flaws that make accidents and injuries more likely.
Damages Sought in Product Liability Lawsuits
In product liability lawsuits, it's common to seek both compensatory and punitive damages.
Compensatory damages cover actual losses related to an injury or accident, such as the cost of medical expenses and physical rehabilitation, lost wages, damage to other property, emotional pain and suffering, and so forth.
Punitive damages are intended to punish negligent parties for their actions. The amount of the punitive damages will be determined by the nature and circumstances surrounding the case.
How a Product Liability Attorney Can Help
The litigation process can be complicated, requiring skilled lawyers to guide you through the process. A product liability attorney will handle the complicated legal matters and filings so you can focus on recovery and moving forward. In addition to ensuring that the system is fair to consumers, an attorney is there to provide clients with peace of mind and sound counsel.
Speak with the Attorneys of Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC
To learn more about your legal options following an injury caused by a defective product, be sure to contact our personal injury law firm today. The lawyers of Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC will fight diligently for you and provide you with expert legal counsel.