A product defect can be anything that makes an item dangerous for its intended use. Georgia’s product liability law classifies a production defect into three general categories depending on the origin of the flaw.
Examples of defective products may include:
- Product Design Defect
- Manufacturing Defect
- Product Labeling Error
In general, a production defect may also be some combination of the three. There are a number of causes for different types of defects in manufacturing. These are just some of the categories of the types of defects in manufacturing but there are many thousands of unique examples of defective products in the world.
While product liability injury victims can typically seek compensation for medical bills and other damages regardless of the type of defect, the liable party may be different, which may affect your product liability lawsuit.
Product Liability Lawyer Explains The Three Categories Of Defects
Determining who is responsible for a product defect can be challenging, since dozens of companies may be involved with the production, manufacture, and distribution of a single item. However, a product liability lawyer can investigate the defective items and trace the source of the production defect that caused your personal injuries or a loved one’s wrongful death.
At McArthur Law Firm, founder and Georgia product liability lawyer Kathy McArthur and her legal team fight for injury victims and have a record of success with product liability claims. In one case, we obtained a verdict of $19.1 million as co-counsel for the victim of a defective product.
WHAT TYPES OF PRODUCT DEFECTS MAY BE GROUNDS FOR A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?
A production defect may occur due to negligence at any point during the production of the item. The possible types of product defects include:
- Design Defects. In some cases, the design of a product makes it inherently dangerous for normal use. These types of product defects typically result from inadequate testing or other negligence during the initial planning phase of production. For example, some cars are prone to rollovers due to a narrow base combined with a high center of gravity. This design defect could lead to a serious rollover accident, roof crush injuries, and wrongful death.
- Manufacturing Defects. Even if the design is sound, errors during the manufacturing process can render a product dangerous. Since many different companies may be involved in the construction of a product, there are many opportunities for different types of defects in manufacturing to occur. Use of substandard materials, toxic contamination and missing components are all possible manufacturing defects that can cause serious personal injuries. For example, a tire made with low-grade rubber may be prone to blowouts or tire tread separation, which could cause a car crash. This is a textbook example of a solid basis for manufacturing defect cases.
- Labeling Defects. Finally, companies must include warning labels and instructions with their products. Instructions must be clear and adequately explain the intended use of the item. Warning labels must include any possible risks or dangers of a product. Otherwise, consumers may unintentionally misuse the item, causing preventable injuries. For example, products with small parts must have warnings if there is a choking hazard for young children. This allows parents to take steps to protect their infants and toddlers from injury.
WHO IS LIABLE FOR THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRODUCT DEFECTS?
In order to file a product liability lawsuit, you and your attorney must demonstrate not only that a product defect exists, but that it also directly caused your injury. Depending on the type of defect, you may be able to collect compensation from the negligent party or parties responsible for the flaw. These potentially liable parties may include:
- Product Manufacturer. In many cases, the main manufacturing company is at least partially liable for the injuries and damages caused by product defects. For example, if car defects cause a rollover accident, you can likely file a product liability lawsuit against the automaker.
- Parts Manufacturer. Sometimes, different companies design and/or manufacture different components of a single product. In these manufacturing defect cases, you may be able to collect compensation from each of these individual companies. For example, airbags are typically made by separate companies from the rest of a vehicle. Therefore, if a defective airbag causes your injuries, you can likely include the airbag manufacturer in your product liability lawsuit defective airbag attorney near me .
- Product Seller. If the retailer or vendor of an item knows about the dangerous product defects or somehow damages a product, causing a defect, then that party may be liable for the injuries and damages that result. For example, if a mechanic installs defective tires on your car, the result may be a serious crash. If the mechanic knew the defect existed, then he or she may be partially liable.
DEFECT CAUSE YOUR INJURIES? PRODUCT LIABILITY LAWYER CAN HELP
Victims may suspect that product defects are to blame for their injuries, but it can be difficult to know for sure where a flaw originated and who is liable. A knowledgeable product liability lawyer near me from our firm can investigate and find answers. If a design, manufacturing, or labeling defect caused or contributed to your injuries, our product liability lawyers in Georgia can help you file a product liability lawsuit to recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Large corporations and manufacturers often try to deny or minimize these claims. However, we fight for victims’ rights, all the way to the courtroom, if necessary.
We offer free initial consultations so that you can learn your legal options about defective product lawyer near me with no obligation. Call 478-238-6600 or contact us online today to speak to an attorney.
More Product Liability Resources
If you’d like to learn more about how McArthur Law Firm handles manufacturing defect cases, read our informative articles on production defects below. We explain all the different types of product liability cases we represent.
- Automotive Defects
- Roof Crush Injuries
- Faulty Airbags and Seat Belt Accidents
- Tire Tread Separation
- Defective Medical Devices
- Hiring a Defective Product Attorney: Product Liability Cases
- Defective Product Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia
