Ponchatoula Defective Products Lawyer
When consumers purchase and use a product, they trust the manufacturers that it is safe for use. Dangerous or defective products can cause wrongful death or injury, even when they are used as intended. If a product has injured you or someone you love, please contact a Ponchatoula attorney as soon as possible for an initial consultation and case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for the harm you have suffered.
Defective Products Theories of Liability
Product defects cover a wide range of devices, from children’s toys to automobile parts to medications. Products must be designed and manufactured safely, adequately warning consumers of potential hazards. Under the Louisiana Products Liability Act (LPLA), manufacturers can be held liable for a product that is unreasonably dangerous in one of the following ways:
- Design defect — A plaintiff must prove that a product was inherently dangerous in its design and requires proof that a safe and economically practical alternative design existed
- Failure to provide an adequate warning — A plaintiff must prove that a manufacturer failed to provide a suitable warning about the dangers of a product and an injury resulted due to the lack of warning
- Manufacturing defect — A plaintiff must prove that the product was negligently made during the manufacturing process and sold with the unplanned defect
When Can a Manufacturer Be Held Liable for a Defective Product?
Designers, manufacturers, and sellers must warn consumers about any dangers associated with their product. Under the LPLA, a product manufacturer may be held liable for a defective product if the injury caused by the product is from a reasonably anticipated use of the product.
In the state of Louisiana, plaintiffs only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for their damages. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and for product liability cases, it is one year from the date of the injury with the exception that it does not run against minors or interdicts in actions involving permanent disability and brought pursuant to the Louisiana Products Liability Act or state law governing product liability actions in effect at the time of the injury or damage. After the statute of limitations expires, plaintiffs forfeit their right to file a claim. A Ponchatoula product liability attorney can help identify the responsible parties in a claim and work to pursue adequate compensation within the prescribed timeframe.
Who Is Entitled to Recover Damages in a Product Liability Injury Case?
A person who is harmed by a dangerous product may be entitled to compensation with the help of a Ponchatoula product liability attorney. You may be able to recover damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and reimbursement for the damaged property as a result of the product defect. A plaintiff can also recover damages for pain and suffering including loss of consortium if the injury results in the deprivation of the benefits of spouse or family member.
Consult with a Ponchatoula Defective Products Attorney Today
It is reasonable to expect the products you use every day to be reasonably safe, especially when they are used as intended. If you or one of your family members were injured by a defective product, a Ponchatoula personal injury attorney can assist you in recovering your damages. To see what a dedicated attorney could do in your case, get in touch today.