Dangerous Products Lawyers
Do I Need a Dangerous Products Lawyer?
Consumer products cause millions of injuries every year when a design flaw, a manufacturing error, or a failure to warn of risks turns a product that should be safe into a danger.[1] Without experience in law, it can be hard to know if you have a case if a company can be found liable for your injuries.
It’s important to talk to a dangerous products lawyer, so you understand your rights and if you have a case to sue for damages. If in doubt, contact a lawyer, especially in these situations:
- You used a product as directed and were injured as a result
- You now have medical bills from that injury
- A toy or other product hurt your child
- A loved one died as a result of a defective product
- The maker or seller of a product, or their insurance company, offered you a settlement or asked you to sign something
How Can a Dangerous Products Lawyer Help Me?
A dangerous products lawyer is an expert in tort laws, product liability, and other related laws. They work with victims of defective products to help them hold companies accountable and recover damages.
Here are just a few of the things a good lawyer can do for you after a product causes an injury:
- Evaluate your case for free.
Reputable law firms talk to clients for free to help them understand their options. A lawyer will look at the evidence and give you a good idea of how strong your case is and if suing is a reasonable next step. - Talk with insurance representatives.
Insurers for companies have big legal teams dedicated to paying as little to victims as possible. An experienced lawyer will talk to them for you and advocate for your right to compensation. - Maximize damages.
A lawyer also has experience determining damages caused by product injuries. They can maximize what you recover in a settlement or in a jury verdict. - Litigate in court.
Most cases like these end in settlements, but if you cannot get a fair amount you may have to go to court. Product liability lawyers know how to litigate, relying on evidence, experts, and witnesses to get a positive jury verdict. - Collect compensation.
A settlement or verdict award is not always the end of your battle. There may be several roadblocks to actually getting the money. Your lawyer will know what to do next to collect.
How Do I Find the Right Lawyer?
When looking for a lawyer to represent you against a company that made, distributed, or sold a defective product, prioritize experience. You need a lawyer or a firm specializing in these cases and with proven wins for clients like you.
Start with a referral if you can find one from a friend or family member or a consumer advocacy group. If you cannot get a referral, search through personal injury law firms to find those with specific product liability expertise, and defective or dangerous products.
Questions to Ask Your Lawyer
Gathering a list of potential dangerous products lawyers and firms is just the first part of making the right choice. Eliminate any that do not offer a free initial consultation. For those who do, come prepared with questions so that you can make the best decision. Ask important questions, like:
- How many defective product cases have you handled?
- What were the outcomes, and can you provide references from past clients?
- Have you litigated cases in court?
- Who will handle my case?
- How will you investigate my case and prove liability?
- Who will you pursue as a defendant in my case?
- What will I need to do?
- How does your payment plan work and what are your fees?
Choose a lawyer who answers your questions satisfactorily and makes you feel comfortable. You should never feel brushed off or as if a firm doesn’t have the time or resources to help you.
How to Work with a Dangerous Products Lawyer
Once you have selected the right lawyer for your case, the hard work begins. They will do much of the actual legwork, but they need you to partner in this effort. Most important is that you are available to your lawyer to answer questions and to provide as much information as you can about the incident.
Provide your lawyer with detailed recollections of what happened with the product, how you used it, where you bought it, and when. Give them your medical records and bills related to the resulting injuries. If you have had to miss work, provide information about your job and income. They may also need to contact anyone who witnessed what happened when you used the product.
Working with a dangerous products lawyer is the first step in recovering damages. They will be your advocate as you go up against companies liable for causing you harm with a defective product.