When you buy a product, you expect it to work safely. Whether it’s a kitchen appliance, a toy for your child, or a medical device, you trust that companies have made sure their products won’t hurt you. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some products have dangerous flaws that can cause serious injuries.
If you or someone you love got hurt because of a defective product, you have legal rights. Understanding how these cases work can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Makes a Product Defective?
A product is defective when it doesn’t work as safely as a normal person would expect. There are three main ways products can be dangerous:
Design Defects: The product was designed poorly from the start. Even if it’s built perfectly, the design itself creates dangers for users. For example, a ladder that tips over easily because of how it’s shaped.
Manufacturing Defects: The design is fine, but something went wrong when making the product. Maybe a machine wasn’t working right, or workers made mistakes. This can turn a safe design into a dangerous product.
Warning Defects: The product might be safe if used correctly, but the company didn’t give clear instructions or warnings about risks. People need to know how to use products safely and what dangers to watch out for.
Figuring out what type of defect caused your injury is important for building a strong legal case.
Common Products That Cause Injuries
Dangerous products can be found almost anywhere in daily life. Some of the most common ones include:
Cars and Car Parts: Faulty brakes that don’t stop the car, airbags that don’t inflate properly, tires that blow out, or steering wheels that break.
Home Appliances: Ovens that catch fire, space heaters that tip over and start fires, or power tools that break apart during use.
Children’s Items: Cribs with bars spaced too far apart, car seats with broken straps, strollers that collapse, or toys with small parts that can choke kids.
Medical Devices and Drugs: Hip implants that break inside the body, heart devices that malfunction, or medications that cause unexpected side effects.
Food and Drinks: Products contaminated with bacteria, foods with pieces of metal or glass, or drinks with harmful chemicals.
These defective products can cause injuries ranging from small cuts to serious medical problems. Some people develop long-term health issues or permanent disabilities.
Your Legal Rights in New Jersey
New Jersey law protects people who get hurt by defective products. To win a case, you usually need to prove three things:
- The product had a defect in its design, manufacturing, or warnings
- The defect caused your injury
- You were using the product normally or in a way that made sense
New Jersey uses something called “strict liability” for many product cases. This means the company can be responsible for your injuries even if they weren’t careless or didn’t know about the problem. The law focuses on whether the product was defective, not whether the company made mistakes.
This makes it easier for injured people to get compensation without having to prove the company did something wrong on purpose.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Several different parties might be responsible when a defective product hurts someone:
Manufacturers: The companies that design and make the product are often the main target of lawsuits.
Distributors: Companies that move products from manufacturers to stores can also be responsible.
Retailers: The stores where you bought the product might share the blame, especially if they knew about problems.
In many cases, more than one party shares responsibility. A lawyer can help figure out who should be held accountable and make sure you go after all the right companies.
What Compensation Can You Get?
If you win a defective product case, you might be able to recover money for:
Medical Bills: This includes not just current treatment, but also future medical care you might need.
Lost Wages: Money you couldn’t earn because of your injury, plus future income you might lose if you can’t work the same way.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional stress caused by your injury.
Punitive Damages: Extra money meant to punish companies that acted especially badly or ignored known dangers.
The amount you can get depends on how badly you were hurt and the specific facts of your case.
Steps to Take After a Product Injury
If a defective product hurts you, these steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
Get Medical Help Right Away: See a doctor even if your injury seems minor. Keep all records of your treatment.
Save the Product: Don’t throw away the defective item. It’s important evidence for your case.
Take Pictures: Document your injuries, the product, and where the accident happened.
Keep Everything: Save receipts, warranties, instruction manuals, and packaging.
Report the Problem: Contact the store where you bought it and the manufacturer.
Talk to a Lawyer: Product liability cases can be complicated, so getting legal help early is important.
Why You Need Legal Help
Companies have teams of lawyers working to protect them from lawsuits. They might try to blame you for the accident or claim their product wasn’t really defective. Having your own lawyer levels the playing field.
The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone provides legal support for people in New Jersey who have been injured by unsafe products. Their experience in personal injury law helps victims understand their options and fight for fair compensation.
Getting the Justice You Deserve
Defective products can turn everyday activities into dangerous situations. When companies put profits ahead of safety, innocent people get hurt. You shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes.
If a defective product has injured you or a loved one, don’t wait to seek help. Contact experienced legal professionals who can evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.