When a consumer purchases a product for whatever reason, they expect it to perform as advertised. Unfortunately, when an item is defective, it can do more harm than good. If you’ve been injured in this way, a Bridgeport product liability lawyer can help you seek justice and financial compensation.
After a devastating accident, the Connecticut Trial Firm is here to help. If we determine you have a case, our personal injury lawyer in Bridgeport will guide you through the claims process and fight for a fair settlement or court award on your behalf.
Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Types of Defective Merchandise That Lead to Personal Injury Claims
State laws allow consumers to seek compensation to make up for the harm that defective products cause. In defective product cases, there are generally three types of defects that may apply.
These include:
- Design defects: These issues involve flaws in the core design of a product that make it unsafe even if manufactured perfectly.
- Manufacturing defects: This kind of defect occurs when a product, although properly designed, is incorrectly made or assembled.
- Marketing defects: These defects encompass issues related to inadequate warnings, improper usage instructions, and poor packaging. If an item’s packaging or instructions fail to warn about potential dangers, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable for any resulting harm.
Common items involved in defective product cases include the following:
- Cars, trucks, and motorcycles
- Medical devices
- Medications
- Tools
- Baby products
- Household appliances
- Children’s toys
These are just a few examples, as new defective products are constantly released on the market.
Injured in an Accident?
Get the Compensation You Deserve. Our Experienced Lawyers Can Help.
Negligence in a Bridgeport Product Liability Case
Establishing negligence in a product liability case is crucial when seeking compensation for injuries or damages from a defective item.
To prove negligence, you or your attorney must demonstrate the following elements:
- Duty of care: You must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care. In these cases, manufacturers, distributors, and sellers have a legal obligation to ensure their merchandise is reasonably safe for their intended use.
- Breach of duty: You must show that the defendant breached their duty of care by designing, manufacturing, or marketing a defective product. This process may involve identifying design flaws, improper manufacturing processes, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions.
- Causation: You must establish a causal link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the injuries or damages you suffered. It is crucial to demonstrate that the product’s defect directly caused you harm.
- Damages: You will also need evidence of the injuries or damages incurred from using the defective item. Examples of damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Proving negligence in a product liability case typically requires collecting evidence, arranging expert testimony, and understanding the relevant laws and regulations. Hiring an experienced product liability lawyer in Bridgeport, CT, will bolster your case and increase your chances of securing a fair settlement or jury verdict.
Available Damages
When you’ve suffered harm due to a defective product, you can seek compensation for both financial and non-financial losses. Recovering damages helps alleviate the financial burden resulting from your injuries.
Our Bridgeport attorneys are prepared to assist you in recovering a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of quality of life
While every case is unique, you may be eligible for some or all of these damages. Our team at the Claggett, Sykes & Garza will leave no stone unturned when assessing your losses.
Suffered a Personal Injury?
Let Us Fight for Your Rights and Maximize Your Compensation.
Average Settlement Amount
The average settlement amount for product liability cases in Connecticut varies because each case is unique.
However, the following factors can play a significant role in determining the amount of your settlement:
- Severity of injuries: If your injuries are severe and require extensive medical treatment, you are more likely to receive a higher settlement. Your settlement should cover all medical expenses and other losses related to your injuries.
- Number of liable parties: The more parties responsible for the defective item, the greater your potential compensation. For instance, if a malfunctioning truck injures you, you may seek damages from the truck manufacturer, the trucking company, and possibly the truck driver.
- Choice of personal injury attorney: The lawyer you choose can impact the negotiation process, which in turn affects your compensation. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize payouts. By working with one of our Bridgeport, CT, product liability attorneys, you can be confident that your attorney will negotiate the settlement you deserve.
Injured Due to Negligence?
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Ready to Assist You.
Time Limit for Filing a Product Liability Claim
The Connecticut statute of limitations for product liability claims gives you three years from your injury date to file a legal claim. Though in some situations the statute of limitations can be as many as 10 years after an injury. That said, time is of the essence for other reasons, so we recommend reaching out to us as soon as possible. Taking action soon after your injury will give your lawyer more time to gather evidence of the defect and build a strong case for compensation.
It’s worth noting that the time frame for filing a claim can vary based on the specifics of your case. One of our Bridgeport attorneys can evaluate your case and tell you exactly how much time you have to file.
Free Consultation With a Bridgeport Product Liability Lawyer
At the Claggett, Sykes & Garza, we are committed to helping injured victims recover compensation for all they’ve endured. Consulting with a Bridgeport product liability attorney from our team will allow you to explore your legal options and find out how to strengthen your case.
Don’t risk missing out on the opportunity to obtain compensation! We are here to listen to your story and let you know if you have a valid claim. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You’ll pay nothing unless we win!
