When you purchase a product for your convenience and usability, but it fails to meet expectations due to a defect, you have the right to seek compensation. Even a minor flaw can entitle you to damages. This is known as product liability. The legal responsibility a manufacturer or seller holds for offering a defective product.
Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for injuries caused by dangerous or faulty products. Claims generally arise because of manufacturing defects, design flaws, or inadequate warnings.
Go through these common mistakes so that you don’t commit them while filing your claim.
Waiting Too Long to File Your Claim
Every jurisdiction enforces strict deadlines, which are known as statutes of limitations. Missing this deadline generally means forfeiting your right to compensation, no matter how valid your case. This is your cue to act quickly.
Failing to Preserve the Product and Its Evidence
Altering, repairing, or disposing of the product after an injury is going to reduce the chances of the outcome being in your favor. The actual product, in its original post-incident state, is often your strongest evidence. So, make sure to secure the product and don’t tamper with it.
Not Hiring a Specialist Attorney
A specialized and experienced attorney can help you like no other. Handling the claim by yourself may result in missed legal nuances, undervalued settlements, or outright dismissal of your case. In Atlanta, the capital city of Georgia, United States, many people make mistakes while filing a claim for product liability. So, if you’ve been injured by a defective product and are unsure of how to proceed, consulting a qualified product liability lawyer in Atlanta can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Neglecting Prompt and Proper Medical Treatment
Seeking medical help after the incident is of utmost importance. If you delay medical aid, insurers may argue that the injuries were not serious, not directly related to the product, or caused by something else altogether. Always seek medical attention right away and keep bills, medicines, and other important documents separate.
Admitting Fault or Misusing The Product
Never concede half or entire culpability for the injury, even lightly. Similarly, using the product in ways not intended by the maker can jeopardize your entire claim. The defense may use these admissions to argue that you were ignorant of the instructions, reducing your compensation.
Social Media Can Undermine Your Lawsuit
What you share online after filing a lawsuit may be scrutinized by opposing counsel. Your posts, photos, or comments about the incident, injuries, or lifestyle may be used to dispute the severity of your damages or your version of events.
Not identifying all liable parties.
Focusing solely on the manufacturer and neglecting other potential defendants, such as distributors, merchants, or even marketers. You can result in missing out on additional compensation. A comprehensive inquiry may find various parties with insurance policies or assets that can compensate for your losses.
It is critical that you consult with your attorney to identify all participants in the supply chain who may be held accountable. By avoiding these hazards, you place yourself in the best position to get compensation for injuries caused by defective products.
