Alabama Defective Products Lawyers

As consumers, we trust that the products we purchase and use are completely safe. But this isn’t always the case. Each year, millions of innocent people are injured and even killed after putting their trust in a defective product.

If you or someone you care about has been injured from using a product or exposure to a product that you believe was caused by some defect, you may have a products liability case. At Hawk Legal, we and the lawyers we work with have extensive experience in holding negligent manufacturers, designers, and installers of dangerous products accountable for the harms they cause.

The Alabama defective products attorneys that work with Hawk Legal can help you seek the compensation you deserve from the responsible parties. Contact us now for immediate assistance in evaluating your situation.

Consumers Are Protected by the Law

Many federal and state laws aim to protect you and other consumers from harm. These regulations create standards for the creation, manufacture, advertising, and sale of various products, from common consumer goods to complex medical devices.

At a bare minimum, every product must comply with the federal laws as well as other laws that will apply to products in that particular industry. If a product causes harm to a consumer, or results in death, then federal laws could be a source of recovery against the responsible party.

Products that are sold in Alabama are also subject to state laws. This refers to the Alabama Extended Manufacturers’ Liability Doctrine, which creates liability among product makers if there is an injury or death from a defective product.

How Is the Product Defective?

There are three different ways that a product can be defective – through a design, manufacturing, or warning defect. Each type of defect presents different issues, which is why it’s essential to have skilled legal counsel in your corner that understands these claims.

• Design defect. When products aren’t designed safely, this can have catastrophic results. Designers are supposed to consider such things as the possible uses of the product, potential safeguards and alternatives, and available technology. These can be complex cases to prove and typically involve expert witness testimony.
• Manufacturing defect. Even with a safe and appropriate design, a product may not be made properly by the manufacturer. If something goes wrong during the assembly or manufacturing process, the consumer could be injured or killed. This can also involve using inferior or defective supplies.
• Warning defect. Assuming a product is designed and manufactured correctly, it can still lead to serious harm if it doesn’t come with the proper instructions or warning labels. Product makers and sellers have a duty to warn users about any dangers associated with a product. Failing to do this could make them liable for any injuries or deaths that occur.

Commonly Defective Products

The possibilities for defective products are endless. Even with the rigorous testing required by the Consumer Products Safety Commission and the FDA, tragedy still strikes. We and the products liability attorneys that we work with have experience handling a wide variety of cases. However, we’ve found that certain products show up as defective more often than others. These include:

• Vehicles and auto parts
• Medical devices
• Household products
• Prescription drugs
• Over-the-counter drugs
• Heavy equipment and machinery
• Food
• Construction materials
• Sports equipment
• Nursery products
• Toys

How Much Is Your Case Worth?

No two products liability cases are the same, so it would be next to impossible to assign a value to a case without a thorough evaluation of the facts. But your entitlement to collect certain damages will be the same if your injury was caused by another party’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional act.

Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you might need extended medical care and even have permanent damage. These factors will play a role in determining the value of your case. Under a product’s liability claim, you may have the right to seek compensation for:

• Medical costs
• Current and future lost earnings
• Any personal property damage
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium

In some cases, punitive damages are possible in products liability cases where the court finds that a defendant’s actions were particularly egregious. Families of a loved one killed by a defective product are limited to seeking punitive damages.

What You Should Do If You’ve Been Harmed

If you or a loved one have been injured from a faulty product, some of the steps that you should take include:

1. Document the product information. Whenever possible, document every detail you can about the defective product. This includes where it was purchased, and its name, model, and serial number. If you have receipts or other product documentation, this can be helpful as well.
2. Save the product. Possession of the actual defective product could be vital to your case. It may need to be sent away for further testing.
3. Take photographs. If possible, take photographs of the defective product and any injuries or property damage.
4. Seek medical care. Even if you are unsure, seek immediate medical attention to document your injuries.
5. Document your damages. Save copies of your medical records and bills. Also, keep track of any lost wages or other expenses related to the accident.
6. Consult with an attorney. You should seek the counsel of an attorney that has experience dealing with defective products cases as soon as possible.

Speak with an Experienced Alabama Products Liability Attorney

You shouldn’t have to think twice about the products you purchase and use, but there’s always a chance that something could turn out to be dangerous and defective. At Hawk Legal, we understand that it can be incredibly traumatic to suffer harm, or worse, lose a loved one, from using a common item.

Whether you are unsure if you have a case or not, we’d be happy to take a look. We and the experienced products liability attorneys that work with us will thoroughly review your situation, outline your rights, and explain your legal options. If you’ve been hurt by a defective product, we will aggressively fight to win the compensation you deserve.

Contact Hawk Legal today at (251) 690-7799 to schedule a free consultation or message us through our online contact form.