Product defects can occur when manufacturers, designers, and others take shortcuts. When a defective product malfunctions, it may cause the user to suffer serious injuries.
If you suffered injuries because of a defective product malfunction in Greensboro, North Carolina, the experienced legal team at Riddle & Riddle Accident Injury Lawyers can review your circumstances, go over your available legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Greensboro product liability attorney, please call us at (336) 516-9066 or contact us online today.
Greensboro Product Liability Guide:
- How Much Is My Greensboro Product Liability Case Worth?
- How Do Defective Products Cause Injuries in Greensboro?
- Successfully Proving a Greensboro Product Liability Claim or Lawsuit
- Common Types of Defective Product Injuries in Greensboro
- Fighting the Insurance Company in a Greensboro Defective Product Case
- Steps to Take after Suffering Injuries Due to a Defective Product in Greensboro
- Contact a Knowledgeable Greensboro Product Liability Attorney Today
Why Should We Represent You?
Defective products can bring about disabling injuries and other serious consequences. If you or someone you love suffered injuries because of a defective product, the Greensboro legal team at Riddle & Riddle Accident Injury Lawyers is on your side. We can handle every aspect of your case and fight for your rights in pursuit of the compensation you deserve. Our legal team has a combined 190-plus years of experience successfully resolving and litigating cases in North Carolina. Our Greensboro personal injury attorneys are prepared to fight aggressively for your interests and maximize your accident-related compensation.
You can see our most recent case results and client testimonials by clicking on the following links.
Our Greensboro office is conveniently located at 717 Green Valley Road, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27408.
How Much Is My Greensboro Product Liability Case Worth?
In a Greensboro, North Carolina, product liability case, available compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your losses. The primary goal of compensation is to make you whole again by covering various damages resulting from the defective product. Here’s a breakdown of the forms of compensation you can recover:
- Medical Expenses – This includes all costs related to treating your injuries, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, and prescription medications. It also covers future medical expenses if your injuries require ongoing treatment.
- Pain and Suffering – This category compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the defective product. It can be challenging to quantify, but it reflects the effect of your injuries on your daily life and well-being.
- Emotional Distress – Besides pain and suffering, you may also receive compensation for psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting from the product’s defect.
- Lost income – If your injuries have caused you to miss work time, you can claim compensation for the earnings you lost. This also includes any future income you may lose if your injuries affect your ability to work in the long term.
- Loss of Consortium – If your injuries have affected your relationships with family members or your spouse, then those individuals may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.
- Property Damage – If the defective product damaged your personal property, such as your car or home, you may be compensated for the repair or replacement costs.
- Punitive Damages – In cases where the manufacturer’s negligence was particularly malicious or egregious, you may receive punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar behavior.
How Do Defective Products Cause Injuries in Greensboro?
Defective products can cause serious injuries due to manufacturer negligence or other types of negligence in Greensboro, North Carolina. These defects typically fall into three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects.
- Design Defects – These occur when a product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even if it’s manufactured correctly. For example, if a toy is designed with small parts that can easily break off and pose a choking hazard, it can cause injuries to children. Design defects mean the product was unsafe from the beginning, making it the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that their design doesn’t put consumers at risk.
- Manufacturing Defects – These happen when a product is not made according to the design specifications. For instance, if a batch of medical devices is assembled with faulty components that can malfunction, it may lead to severe health issues for users. Even if the product design is safe, a manufacturing defect can make a product dangerous. These defects often result from poor quality control or mistakes during production.
- Marketing Defects – Also known as failure to warn, these defects occur when a product is not properly labeled or lacks the necessary safety warnings. If a household cleaner doesn’t have clear instructions or warnings about its hazardous nature, consumers may misuse it and suffer injuries. Manufacturers and sellers are responsible for providing adequate warnings and instructions to ensure safe use of their products.
Negligence can also occur if a company fails to conduct proper safety testing or ignores known risks associated with its products. For example, if a company is aware of a defect but does not recall the product or warn consumers, they can be held liable for injuries resulting from that product.
Successfully Proving a Greensboro Product Liability Claim or Lawsuit
To win a product liability case in Greensboro, North Carolina, you must prove several key legal elements. These elements establish that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injuries. Here’s a breakdown of these elements and the types of evidence that can support your case:
- Defective Product – First, you need to establish that the product was defective. This defect can be due to poor design, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings. Helpful evidence includes the product itself, photos of the product, and any reports or documents from experts showing how the defect exists. Product recalls or safety reports can also support this element.
- Causation – Next, you must prove that the defect in the product directly caused your injury. This means demonstrating a clear link between the defect and the harm you experienced. Evidence such as medical records that document your injuries and their severity, along with expert testimony linking these injuries to the product defect, is crucial. Additionally, any eyewitness accounts or accident reports that describe the incident can establish causation.
- Injury – You must show that you suffered actual harm or injury due to the defective product. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses. Medical records, bills, and treatment histories are vital in proving the extent of your injuries. Documenting any effects on your daily life, such as missed work or diminished quality of life, also helps in demonstrating the injury.
- Product Use – You need to prove that you were using the product as intended when the injury occurred. Evidence can include testimony about how you were using the product, any instructions or user manuals, and photos or videos showing the product’s condition and how it was being used at the time of the injury.
- Notice to Manufacturer – Sometimes, you must show that the manufacturer was aware of the defect or should have known about it. Evidence such as internal communications, previous complaints about the product, or similar incidents can support this claim.
Common Types of Defective Product Injuries in Greensboro
In Greensboro, North Carolina, defective products can cause a range of injuries depending on the type of product and the nature of the defect. Here are some of the most common injuries that can result from using a defective product:
- Burns – Defective appliances, such as faulty heaters or kitchen equipment, can cause burns if they malfunction or overheat. For example, a defective electric blanket may overheat and cause severe burns to the user.
- Lacerations and Cuts – Products with sharp edges or broken parts, like defective kitchen gadgets or tools, can lead to lacerations and cuts. A malfunctioning blade in a kitchen processor may cause significant injuries if it breaks or jams.
- Fractures and Broken Bones – Defective furniture, such as unstable chairs or poorly designed ladders, can collapse or break, leading to falls and fractures. For instance, a defective ladder may not support weight properly, resulting in a fall and broken bones.
- Head Injuries – Defective safety equipment, like helmets or car seats, may fail to protect users properly. A defective bicycle helmet that doesn’t provide adequate protection during a crash can result in serious head injuries, including concussions or skull fractures.
- Choking and Respiratory Issues – Small parts or hazardous materials in defective toys or household products can pose choking hazards. Children may choke on small, detachable parts from toys – or inhale harmful chemicals from improperly sealed containers.
- Allergic Reactions – Products containing allergens or harmful chemicals, such as defective cosmetics or contaminated food, can trigger allergic reactions. For example, a skincare product with undisclosed allergens may cause severe skin reactions or breathing problems.
- Electrical Shocks – Defective electronic devices, like frayed wires or faulty wiring, can cause electrical shocks. A damaged phone charger or appliance with exposed wires may lead to severe electrical burns or shocks.
- Internal Injuries – Defective medical devices, such as faulty implants or surgical tools, can cause internal injuries. For instance, a defective medical implant may cause internal bleeding or organ damage.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Greensboro Defective Product Case
In a defective product case in Greensboro, North Carolina, fighting the insurance company can be challenging, but at Riddle & Riddle Accident Injury Lawyers, we can help you navigate the process and maximize your compensation. Here’s how we can assist:
- Obtaining the Necessary Evidence – We will collect and organize all necessary evidence to support your injury claim. This includes obtaining medical records, documenting the defect, and collecting expert testimony. We will also gather evidence of your financial losses and the effects on your daily life.
- Evaluating Your Claim – We will assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our goal is to ensure that we pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to recover in your product liability claim or lawsuit.
- Negotiating with the Insurance Company – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We will handle all negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that your interests are protected. Our experience allows us to counter lowball offers and push for a fair settlement.
- Building a Strong Case – We will build a comprehensive product liability case by analyzing the defective product, reviewing safety standards, and consulting with experts if necessary. A well-prepared case strengthens our position and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
- Filing Legal Actions – If negotiations do not lead to a favorable settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. We will guide you through the legal process, represent you in court, and fight for your rights.
- Providing Support – We will keep you well-informed throughout the process and offer support every step of the way. Our aim is to alleviate your stress and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take after Suffering Injuries Due to a Defective Product in Greensboro
If you suffer injuries due to a defective product, it’s crucial to take the following steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Seek Ongoing Medical Treatment – First, obtain the medical care that you need. Completing your treatment is essential not only for your recovery but also to document the full extent of your injuries. Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Retain Important Documentation – Keep all records related to your injuries and the defective product. This includes medical bills, treatment records, prescription details, and any correspondence with the manufacturer or seller. Additionally, preserve evidence of the defective product, such as photographs or the product itself.
- Speak to an Experienced Greensboro Product Liability Attorney – At Riddle & Riddle Accident Injury Lawyers; we will carefully guide you through the claims process, gather evidence for your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and file any necessary legal claims.
Taking these steps promptly will help protect your rights and strengthen your case.
Contact a Knowledgeable Greensboro Product Liability Attorney Today
If you sustained injuries due to a defective product, the knowledgeable legal team at Riddle & Riddle Accident Injury Lawyers will fight for your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available to you in your product liability case. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Greensboro product liability lawyer, please call us at (336) 516-9066 or contact us online.
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*NOTE: We respond to phone calls, emails, and online chats 24/7, however in-person appointments are available at our Greensboro location by appointment only. We also have investigators on staff who can come directly to you if that is more convenient.