When we purchase appliances, power tools, or even children’s toys, we expect them to be safe and reliable. Unfortunately, companies sell defective household products all too often, and these products can lead to serious injury to you or your loved ones. In the event that this happens, it’s essential to remember that as a victim, you have rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation through a product liability claim, and Buttafuoco & Associates is ready to fight for you. Our team of New York product liability lawyers has the experience necessary to pursue product liability cases and hold negligent companies accountable.
Giant corporations want to protect their financial well-being, not your well-being, and we’re here to level the playing field. Call us today at 1-800-NOW-HURT to discuss your case at no cost.
Types of Product Liability Claims
Thanks to standards maintained and enforced by the Consumer Safety Product Commission, any product needs to undergo rigorous safety testing before going to market. It must also include clear warnings and directions for the consumer.
Still, there are several issues that can lead to a defective or dangerous household product; according to our product liability attorneys in New York, some of the most common are:
- Defective Design: When the design of a product is inherently hazardous.
- Defective Manufacturing or Assembly: When errors in the manufacturing process lead to a dangerous product.
- Failure to Warn: When there are not sufficient safety warnings or use instructions, leading consumers to use the product in a hazardous manner.
Common Defective Household Products and Appliances
Some household products are more likely than others to have dangerous defects that result in serious injuries to you or your loved ones. Some of these include:
- Children’s Toys and Furniture: Items such as cribs, playpens, and toys must meet strict safety standards for toddler or infant use, but they are commonly recalled for things like choking hazards or toxic materials.
- Household Appliances: Defective toasters, washing machines, space heaters, and other appliances may cause burns or electrical hazards.
- Electric Personal Grooming Items: This may include items like hair dryers, curling irons, or electric razors.
- Power Tools: In addition to potential electrical hazards, faulty power tools and gardening equipment can lead to injuries such as serious lacerations.
- Furniture: Defective furniture often poses a falling or tipping hazard.
In addition to the hazards described above, products made with flammable materials, those without proper safety warnings, or those made with toxic chemicals can also cause severe injuries that result in significant medical bills. If you or a loved one is a victim of a hazardous or defective product, the New York product liability attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates may be able to help.
Do I have a valid product liability claim?
In New York, product liability cases, including those involving defective household items, fall under strict liability laws. Under these laws, you do not have to prove how or when the responsible party—often the manufacturer—was negligent. This means that a successful case must identify:
- That you used the product correctly.
- The product caused your injury.
Also, once a product is deemed dangerous, the manufacturer has a duty to issue a recall or repair the defective units. Retailers may also be responsible if they fail to follow recall notices and continue to sell dangerous products. If you bought a recalled product, the retailer might be liable for selling items with known defects.
How can a New York product liability lawyer help me?
Product liability law is complex, and fault is difficult to prove, so we recommend seeking guidance from a seasoned New York product liability attorney as soon as possible. During a free consultation, we will evaluate your case and go over the options you have to recover compensation. Some steps include:
- Examining the defective product
- Securing expert testimony about the product’s defects and your injuries
- Securing eyewitnesses testimony of the accident
- Obtaining supporting documentation, such as incident reports
- Collecting and evaluating medical records related to your injury
- Handling communication with manufacturers, distributors, and insurance companies
When you work with a New York product liability lawyer, they will handle all communication with the manufacturer and insurance company so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. They can also gather evidence and determine the total amount of compensation you are entitled to. H2: What compensation am I entitled to receive?
Recovery from your injuries might take weeks or months, and the costs from medical treatment and lost wages can add up quickly during that time. If you have a valid case, Buttafuoco & Associates will help you identify all the short and long-term damages from your injury. Common damages for product liability claims include:
- Medical bills, including emergency treatment or physical therapy during your recovery
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses in the case of wrongful death
New York residents only have three years from the date of their accident to file a claim for a defective household product, so reaching out quickly is paramount.
Contact Buttafuoco & Associates at 1-800-NOW-HURT to get started on your product liability case.