Call Us 24/7
(843) 306-4144 (843) 306-4144 Residents and visitors in Charleston County rely on thousands of products each day, from food and medication to vehicles and appliances. One thing that the manufacturers and distributors of these products all have in common is the requirement that consumers can reasonably expect the products to be safe when used as instructed. If they fail to meet this requirement and someone is injured, they have the legal responsibility to pay for the harm that was caused. If you have been injured due to a dangerous or defective product, a Charleston County product liability lawyer is an important part of the process of seeking compensation. Discuss your case with one of our personal injury attorneys today.
There are three general types of product defects that can potentially lead to a product liability claim.
Design defects involve how the product was engineered. Flaws in the design of the product could cause it to malfunction or break unexpectedly in certain conditions, even when the user is following the instructions on the package label.
Manufacturing defects occur because of an abnormality or mishap at the plant during the production of the product. Examples include the wrong parts being used in the product’s assembly, the product being contaminated during production, or a deviation from the intended design of the product.
Packaging defects involve anything in the outer packaging of the product that is contrary to the design, such as improper or missing instructions for use or the failure to inform the consumer of the product’s ingredients or potential risks involved in its use.
In South Carolina, manufacturers and distributors of defective products are strictly liable. Strict liability means they can be responsible for compensating injuries to consumers even if they were not negligent, as long as the claimant can prove that the product was defective and they were injured as a result. A defective products attorney in Charleston County could help determine what type of defect caused your injuries and work to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence.
Defective products can cause significant injuries, and those injuries can have a profound financial and psychological impact on the person. Product liability claims can include a request for economic damages, which is compensation for the expenses involved in the injury, such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages can also be sought, including compensation for physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other losses.
One of the many services that a Charleston County lawyer provides is determining the fair value of a product liability claim based on the expenses the person incurred due to their injury, the severity and permanence of their injury, and other factors. The lawyer may also file a claim against the insurance company of the at-fault manufacturer or distributor and maintain communication with the provider, advocating for a fair settlement on your behalf. If the claim is not compensated by the insurer, a lawsuit can be filed. Many product liability cases involve injuries to more than one person, and cases may be joined at trial.
Consumers have the right to expect that the products they use have been safely designed, manufactured, and properly packaged. If you have been injured due to a product defect, let us provide a free case evaluation. During this time, you can speak with us about your case and learn more about the claims process and the services we provide. Call a Charleston County product liability lawyer today.