Chesterfield County Defective Product Lawyers

Defective Product Lawyers in Chesterfield 

When we buy consumer goods, we expect the goods to work correctly and safely, but that’s not always the case. Many times, we are lucky enough to simply exchange or return a defective product and be on our way. Other times, however, the product is so poorly designed that it results in significant injury — or worse — to the user.

Defective products either have an inherent design flaw that makes them unsafe, or they were improperly manufactured and therefore malfunction. In either case, if you’ve been injured due to a defective product, you should consult with a product liability attorney to file a product liability lawsuit on your behalf.

For years, the legal team at Commonwealth Law Group has helped people like you receive justice for the harm a defective product caused. We are a team of dedicated product defect attorneys and can file a claim of strict liability, breach of warranty of fitness, or negligence. Contact Commonwealth Law Group today to find out how we can help you. 

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Common Injuries from Defective Products

Defective products can cause any number of injuries, from burns due to explosions or fire to cancer or brain damage caused by exposure to harmful chemicals. The type of injury varies on the product and how it was used and can span any product from a car to baby powder to art supplies.

Proving your injuries happened because of a faulty product is essential. Therefore, it’s necessary to seek medical attention as soon as an incident occurs or you discover that you have an illness or disease that was caused by toxic substances.

Sometimes, the use of a defective consumer product can end up with tragic, life-ending consequences. If your loved one died due to injuries or illness caused by a defective or malfunctioning product, you might have a case for a wrongful death product liability lawsuit. The defective product lawyers at CommonWealth Law Group want to assist you in these tragic situations. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.

Laws Designed to Protect Consumers from Dangerous Products

While there are no federal laws about product liability, there is the Model Uniform Products Liability Act (MUPLA), enacted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which encourages uniform procedures for defective product liability claims.

Personal injury cases vary by state. However, there are laws that can protect consumers from poorly made, dangerous products.

Manufacturing Defect Statutes

A manufacturing defect is a problem in the production of a product. Typically, it affects a small number of products on a production line. For example, if a shampoo manufacturer spilled bleach into a vat of shampoo mixture, only a limited number of bottles would be affected. The overall design of the product was not a problem.

Design Defects

Design defect laws cover problems with products that were inherently flawed. In these cases, all of the products would be affected and potentially dangerous. For example, a motorcycle helmet design may have a chin strap that doesn’t latch properly and can therefore not fully protect the wearer in an accident.

Marketing Defects

These occur when the manufacturer of a product doesn't provide adequate directions for the safe use of the product. For example, the design and manufacture of the product may be sound, but for some reason, the ambiguity of how to use or apply the product may end up causing the users harm. Failure to provide a warning label, for example, or a hot temperature warning for a cup of coffee, may be considered to be a marketing defect.

Virginia Statute of Limitations for Product Liability

The statute of limitations is the deadline that a plaintiff (victim) has for filing a claim. In Virginia, it’s two years, either from the date of the incident or the date that the damage was discovered. Once the statute of limitations expires, then you have no legal recourse to seek damages.

For the most part, product liability statutes of limitations start on the date that the accident happened. Toxic exposure lawsuits work a little differently, though. In these cases, the harmed individual has two years from the date they discovered they were harmed by a toxic substance.

Illness and physical damage from exposure to toxic substances often have a cumulative effect. People may use a product for years, such as asbestos-contaminated talcum body powder, and only the repeated exposure may cause cancer or other illness to develop. Therefore, the statute of limitations starts with the date that a person discovered that they became ill due to toxic substance exposure. That’s why it’s vital to reach out to product liability attorneys in a timely manner.

FAQs

How do I know if I have a defective product?

Sometimes, you may note that there’s a problem with a consumer product right away because you’ve been hurt. Other times, there may be a recall or announcement by the manufacturer. Or, you may check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website for a list of recalled or malfunctioning products. A product liability lawyer can also help you to know whether an item may have been defective.

Will I have to go to court for a product liability lawsuit?

Sometimes, the manufacturer or designer will offer to settle in good faith if they made a defective product, offering to cover your medical bills and other costs. Other times, they may fight your lawsuit. In those cases, you can count on the team of product liability lawyers at Commonwealth Law Group to defend you in court.

How much does a product liability lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorneys’ fees come out of any settlement or award you receive. We don’t get paid unless we win your case! We will go over the particular details of your claim in your individual consultation.

The Commonwealth Law Group Works for You!

When you choose the Commonwealth Law Group for your product liability lawsuit, you can rest easy knowing that we’re beside you from the initial filing through any court visits. We negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and we tirelessly pursue the compensation you deserve on your behalf. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation for your case.

“Great law group. Everyone was kind and down to earth. Made me feel like I was their only client. Very attentive to me and my case.”

Karen Jacobs

If you have been injured at work or through the negligence of another individual or entity, contact us at (804) 999-9999 or or use the form below to connect with our legal team. We will fight to get you the justice you deserve.