Pittsburgh Product Liability Attorneys

Examples of Cases Involving Product Liability Claims

In Pennsylvania, product liability is a legal concept that holds product manufacturers and sellers liable for any personal injuries or damages resulting from a product defect, meaning that product manufacturers and sellers can be held primarily accountable if their product causes harm to others. 

Generally speaking, there are three types of product defects: 

• Manufacturing defects refer to errors in the actual construction or assembly of a product, leading to an unexpected malfunction or danger for consumers. 
• Design defects refer to flaws in the overall design of a product that make it inherently unsafe for its intended use, even when it is properly manufactured and assembled. 
• Warning/instructive defects exist when there are insufficient warnings on products with potentially dangerous features; these warnings should alert users about possible dangers related to using such products to avoid potential injuries. 

Plaintiffs seeking recovery under product liability laws must typically demonstrate how one of these three types of defects caused their injury or loss before they can recover damages from the responsible party (manufacturer/seller). In Pennsylvania, plaintiffs who have suffered harm due to these types of defective products may be able to pursue compensation through several different theories, including negligence and strict liability claims. 

For instance, negligence claims allege that defendants failed to act with reasonable care while dealing with an issue related to their product. In contrast, strict liability claims allege that defendants are responsible simply because they sold a defective product. It is vital for consumers who have suffered injury due to product malfunctions or other issues covered under this type of law to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

Common Examples of Defective Products

Common examples of defective products that can lead to product liability and personal injury cases include motor vehicles, medical devices, dangerous toys, construction tools, and defectively designed electrical appliances. Automobiles are one of the most common product liability cases due to their complex technology and frequent product recalls. In product liability cases, it may be decided that a product was designed defectively, manufactured improperly, or failed to include necessary warning labels. 

Other product-related injuries include slips and falls due to poorly designed staircases, medical device malfunctions, or malfunctioning power tools. Regardless of the product type, you may be eligible to receive compensation if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s product negligence. If you have experienced a product-related injury, seeking legal assistance as soon as possible is vital to protect your legal rights and interests. 

FAQs About Product Liability Claims in Pittsburgh

What is product liability?

Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers for injuries or damages caused by defective products they produce or sell.

What is "strict liability" in product liability cases? 

Strict liability holds manufacturers and sellers responsible for injuries caused by their products, regardless of whether they were negligent. In Pennsylvania, strict liability is a common standard in product liability cases.

How do I prove a product liability claim in Pennsylvania? 

To prove a product liability claim in Pennsylvania, you typically need to demonstrate that:

• The product was defective or unreasonably dangerous.
• The defect caused your injury or damages.
• The product was being used as intended or in a foreseeable manner at the time of the injury.

Who can be held liable in a product liability claim? 

Potentially liable parties include the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, and sometimes even the product designer or component suppliers, depending on the circumstances of the case.

What damages can I recover in a product liability claim? 

Damages in a product liability claim may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages meant to punish the responsible party for particularly egregious conduct.

How long do I have to file a product liability claim in Pennsylvania? 

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim is generally two years from the date of injury. However, there can be exceptions, so it's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury occurs.