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Committed to Your Recovery

Pittsburgh Product Liability Attorneys

Protecting Consumers in Western Pennsylvania

Consider the number of purchases you make each week. Whether it’s groceries, toys for your children, tools, apparel, or any other product, you are putting your trust in a product’s manufacturer. In most cases, your faith is rewarded with the carefree enjoyment of your items. Other times, however, you may be injured due to a production error or design flaw.

Product liability claims can be complex and time-consuming but can be successfully navigated with proper legal guidance and support. At Friday & Cox, LLC, we have extensive experience handling product liability cases in Pennsylvania. We are dedicated to helping victims of product defects obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries. We understand how devastating these accidents can be and will work tirelessly on your behalf to seek justice and compensation for your injury. 

Contact Our Pittsburgh Lawyers today to learn more about Pennsylvania’s product liability laws and how we can help you.

Understanding Pennsylvania's Strict Liability Laws

Pennsylvania law is uniquely poised to favor victims of product defects. In 1966, the Pennsylvania supreme court case Miller vs. Preitz concluded with the statewide adoption of the strict liability doctrine. While this doctrine has many particulars, the most relevant point to product liability relating to your injury is that sellers and manufacturers are generally considered liable for injuries that defective products inflict on consumers. This means you do not need to prove negligence or that the manufacturer was careless—it is sufficient to prove that a product was defective and caused an injury. Even if you accidentally get hurt, product makers must pay for your medical bills and other costs related to your injury if it involves a defective product.

Why Hire a Lawyer for a Product Liability Claim?

When facing a product liability case, hiring a specialized lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are the key reasons why you should hire a product liability lawyer from our firm:

  • Expertise and Knowledge: At Friday & Cox, we possess extensive knowledge and experience in handling product liability cases. We understand the complex laws and regulations that govern these cases, which allows us to build a strong case on your behalf.
  • Proving Liability: Establishing liability in product defect cases can be challenging. We have the expertise to investigate and gather evidence to prove that a product was defective and caused your injury. Our team knows how to demonstrate manufacturer negligence or breach of warranty effectively.
  • Maximizing Compensation: Our goal is to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. We can accurately assess the value of your claim, considering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement for you.
  • Handling Legal Procedures: Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially when dealing with a product liability claim. We handle all the legal procedures, paperwork, and court filings, ensuring that everything is done correctly and on time. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we take care of the legal aspects.
  • Experience in Court: If your case goes to trial, having an experienced lawyer from Friday & Cox by your side is essential. We are skilled litigators with a proven track record of success in the courtroom. Our team is prepared to fight for your rights and present a persuasive case to the jury.
  • Peace of Mind: Dealing with a product liability injury can be overwhelming. By hiring us, you gain peace of mind knowing that a dedicated and experienced team is handling your case. We provide support and guidance throughout the entire process, keeping you informed and confident in the outcome.

Choosing Friday & Cox means you have a committed team working tirelessly inside and outside the courtroom. Let us handle the complexities of your product liability case so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Nationally Recognized Firm

    • AV Preeminent Peer-Rated
    • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
    • Philadelphia Top Attorneys
    • Super Lawyers
    • Best of the Bar | Top 100 Verdicts

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.

 

Friday & Cox, LLC Is Here to Help

Our Pittsburgh product liability lawyers understand this is a difficult time for you. We want to assure you that we will do everything possible to seek justice and fair compensation on your behalf. Our team will handle all of the legal minutiae of your case, so you do not need to worry about making calls to medical professionals or insurers. We pride ourselves on our compassionate representation and will offer support and guidance throughout your case. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have sustained an injury due to a defective product. 

Call us at (412) 900-8250 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation today!

Hear from Satisfied Clients

"If you are serious about hiring a lawyer for personal injury call here first."

- Former Client

Contact Friday & Cox Today

Committed To Helping Our Clients Recover
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