Canton Defective Product Lawyers

Understanding Product Liability Law in Georgia

Companies have a duty to make sure the products they create are reasonably safe for public use. Unfortunately, defective products do still make it onto the consumer market. When this happens, innocent individuals can be seriously hurt. In extreme cases, defective products can even cause wrongful deaths.

At Hasty Pope, LLP, our Canton product liability attorneys strive to hold negligent companies accountable when they prioritize profits over consumer safety. If you or a loved one suffered severe, life-altering injuries as a result of a defective product, contact our firm as soon as possible. In Georgia, injured individuals have two years from the date of the injury to file a defective product personal injury claim. However, the sooner you act the better, as medical records, witness accounts, and other vital information can be more difficult to obtain as time passes.

Defining a "Defective" Product in Canton, GA

A defective product is any product that poses unreasonably safety risks to users when used correctly and/or as intended. Generally, defective products fall into one of three categories, though it is possible for defective products to fall into multiple categories.

Any type of product can be considered defective if it meets one or more of the above criteria. This includes defective automobile parts like tires and brakes, defective toys or electronics, or defective medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs.

Common Defective Product Claims in Canton

The most common types of defective product cases involve medical devices, medications, children's toys, tools, machinery, motor vehicle parts, and safety equipment.

Medical Device Failures

Medical devices such as implants are for improving the quality of life, however, these may cause harm when put together improperly or for other reasons. A manufacturer may be held liable if a medical device caused harm to a patient.

Dangerous Medications

Medications that are missing warning labels about dangerous side effects or interactions may make a patient sicker. When a drug company fails to warn doctors or patients of risks, they may be held liable for injury.

Unsafe Children's Toys & Products

Toys and products meant for children are supposed to meet many safety standards, however, unsafe products still make it through and are sold. Watch out for products that may harm children -- small parts that may be swallowed by young children or parts than can injure a child during play.

Tools & Machinery Hazards

These products can be dangerous if used incorrectly, however, tools and machinery should also meet industry standards and should come with clear safety measures and instructions. Machinery and tools that were also improperly assembled could cause harm.

Defective Vehicle Components

Defective parts in a car, truck, or motorcycle can lead to serious accidents to other drivers and pedestrians. Failure in brakes, airbags, seatbelts, steering systems are just some of the things that can cause accidents.

Compromised Safety Equipment

If you work in an industrial environment, you must rely on a variety of equipment to get the job done safely. For example, welders must use gloves, an apron, goggles, and a full-face mask with tinted lenses to protect their eyes. If any of those items are defective and cause harm to the worker, the consequences can be severe.

Steps to Take After a Defective Product Injury in Canton

If you suffered serious injuries while using a product as intended, you may be able to hold one or more negligent parties accountable for your damages. Defective product claims, also known as product liability claims, can be incredibly complex due to the number and type of liable parties involved. Anyone from the product designer to the product manufacturer to the product distributor—or a combination thereof—could be responsible for your injuries. It is important to contact an experienced Canton product liability lawyer who can help you seek just recovery for your damages.

In certain cases, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages if you can show that the liable party was egregiously negligent. This might be the case if a drug manufacturer knew a certain drug was unreasonably dangerous but manufactured it anyway or if an automobile manufacturer failed to recall thousands of defective vehicles.