San Antonio Product Liability Attorney
Holding Negligent Manufacturers, Retailers, and Others Accountable for Defective Products
When you buy a product, you have the reasonable expectation that it will be safe to use. But all too often, products are defective, and as a result, people get hurt. In some cases, people are even killed by defective products. The only thing that makes such cases more tragic is when the relevant incidents involve negligence or wrongful acts on the part of other parties. If this has happened to you or someone you love, then you need the help of an experienced product liability lawyer in San Antonio.
At Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels, we know how to fight for the rights of our clients injured by defective products. We begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your injury or illness. We look for evidence that proves the product was defective and that this defect caused or contributed to your injuries. We may be able to show how the manufacturer was negligent in its design, manufacture, or warning of potential risks associated with using their products. In many cases, we’re able to secure a settlement without the headaches of going to court.
However, we’re not afraid to file litigation on your behalf when the situation demands. No one should have to face the difficulties you’re dealing with — particularly when such challenges are caused by the negligence of others. At Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels, we’re on your side. Call us at (210) 801-9314 to get started on your claim.
What is Product Liability?
Product liability is a legal term that refers to the responsibility of a manufacturer or seller of a product to compensate a consumer for any injury or damage the product causes. The injured person may be able to sue the manufacturer, seller, or both. Product liability law is based on the principle that producers and sellers should be held accountable for the safety of their products. Product liability is important because it helps ensure that manufacturers and sellers take responsibility for the products they produce or sell. This helps protect consumers from injury or damage caused by defective or dangerous products.
Product liability claims can be based on various theories, including negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty, and misrepresentation. Negligence occurs when the manufacturer or seller fails to use reasonable care in making the product or warning about known risks associated with the product. Strict liability is when a manufacturer or seller is held responsible for any injury caused by their products, regardless of whether they were negligent or not. Breach of warranty occurs when a manufacturer or seller fails to fulfill its promise regarding the quality of the product.
Finally, misrepresentation occurs when a manufacturer or seller misrepresents information about the product that causes an individual to suffer harm. Experienced product liability lawyers in San Antonio deal with all of these case types. Dangerous products can destroy lives. Unfortunately, far too many people opt to take on these companies and their insurers alone. This can result in minimal or no compensation at all, and in some instances, injury victims may not even realize they have a valid legal claim. This is why it’s critical to schedule a free consultation with our law firm today.
Do You Have a Valid Product Liability Claim?
When product manufacturers, sellers, or other parties involved in the consumer pipeline are negligent, people can get hurt. However, all product liability cases must establish that liability exists for a victim to be properly compensated. Most of the time, valid claims are resolved by settlement negotiations. Texas law allows for substantial damages in these cases, so it’s often in the best interest of the insurance company or liable parties to reach a settlement. However, they’ll typically only do this if they believe that liability can be established in court.
To accomplish this, the following elements of liability must be proven:
- Duty of care: Manufacturers and other businesses have a responsibility to provide safe products or warn consumers about a potentially dangerous product
- Breach of duty: When someone suffers a serious injury, they need to show that the liable party did not uphold their responsibility (e.g., breach of duty)
- Damages: To demand compensation, injured consumers must show that they suffered damages of some type. Lost income, medical expenses, and emotional distress are examples
- Causation: Evidence must also show that there’s a direct link between the liable party’s breach of duty and the damages suffered by the victim
When these elements are present, it’s possible for injured consumers to recover compensation. However, this won’t necessarily be an easy task. Insurance companies often complicate the process even for injury victims who receive the smallest amount of financial recovery possible. Individuals who don’t have a San Antonio product liability attorney in their corner are at risk of not receiving the full compensation they deserve. At Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels, we’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
What Can I Do if I Am Injured by Dangerous and Defective Products?
To succeed in a product liability case, it is important to show that the manufacturer or seller was responsible for the injury. If you believe you have been injured by a product, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced product liability lawyer. A product liability lawyer can help assess the potential of your case and advise you on how to proceed. They can also help gather evidence, negotiate with the manufacturers or sellers, and represent you in court if necessary.
If successful, a product liability claim can result in compensation for medical bills, lost wages due to time off work due to injury, and pain and suffering caused by the defective or dangerous product. However, it won’t be as simple as “This company caused these injuries, so they should cover all the victim’s costs.” In reality, you’ll need to establish liability beyond a preponderance of evidence. This means your attorney will compile as much evidence as possible.
Medical records, pay stubs, expert testimony, police reports, hospital bills, and witness statements are just the tip of the iceberg. Your product liability lawyer in San Antonio will review your case and help you decide what’s necessary to secure compensation. You and your loved ones shouldn’t have to fear being harmed by a consumer product, but if you do end up suffering harm, the personal injury attorneys at Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels are here to help.
Who is Responsible if a Product is Faulty?
Product liability lawyers help individuals who have been injured by a faulty or dangerous product. Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers when they fail to provide safe products. When a product is defective or dangerous, victims may be able to hold the manufacturer, seller, and/or distributor legally responsible for their injuries. In these cases, a product liability lawyer can provide the necessary legal representation to pursue damages from those responsible.
Product liability laws are designed to protect consumers from being harmed by unsafe products. The law holds companies accountable for manufacturing and selling products that do not meet safety standards, regardless of whether the company was aware of any defects before releasing the product onto the market. There are many ways to prove liability in these cases, including testimony by industry professionals, recalls initiated by the companies in question, reports of product failures, and any other evidence that shows a defective product caused serious injuries.
If this sounds confusing to you, you’re not alone. When someone is hurt by a defective product, something as simple as identifying the responsible party can be challenging. This is why you need an experienced legal team on your side during the legal process. At Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels, we help injured clients every single day. We don’t pawn injured consumers off onto paralegals or legal assistants. When you visit our law firm, you’ll work directly with a San Antonio product liability lawyer. Unfortunately, time is a factor in these cases — so don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Do You Need a San Antonio Product Liability Lawyer?
Product liability lawyers provide legal representation to victims who have been injured by a faulty product. They handle cases involving medical devices, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment, automobiles, and other products that may be defective or dangerous. These attorneys are experienced in pursuing compensation from companies responsible for a victim’s injuries. A successful product liability case requires evidence of the defect or danger posed by the product and proof that the company was aware of this issue before releasing it for sale.
A San Antonio product liability lawyer can assist in this endeavor. However, many people wonder whether they need an attorney at all. After all, you don’t need a law degree to file product liability claims — and there are many cases when liability seems clear. Unfortunately, what seems evident to your typical individual may not be so apparent to a judge or jury. That’s because they must account for the law and all its nuances. Countless people have filed product liability claims believing their case was “open and shut” — only to be blindsided by a less-than-positive outcome.
Of course, not every defective product case will end up in court. Product liability lawsuits are only necessary when insurance companies refuse to properly compensate personal injury victims. However, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that insurance adjusters will provide a fair settlement. These adjusters work at for-profit companies, and the more money they pay in claims, the less money they make. Having an experienced legal professional on your side can prove invaluable for either settlement negotiations or a product liability lawsuit.
What Damages Are Available?
When a personal injury claim is filed, it’s more than likely to be resolved by settlement negotiations. However, insurance companies will not always play fair. In these instances, having San Antonio product liability attorneys with trial experience on your side can prove critical. When a fair settlement cannot be reached, these legal professionals can file litigation on your behalf. In these instances, injury victims may be entitled to considerable damages — often far more than any potential settlement. Available damages include:
- Special damages: These economic damages are the most common in personal injury cases. They reimburse victims for any financial losses. This could include medical bills, lost income, property damages, future healthcare costs, transportation expenses, and more
- General damages: These non-economic damages focus on compensating injured individuals for non-monetary losses. This could include money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment in life, and more
- Punitive damages: When liable parties are grossly negligent or act in an otherwise egregious manner, the courts may award additional damages in order to punish the defendant. These damages can be much more substantial than the monetary losses faced by the victim
Major product manufacturers, designers, retailers, and others who deal in consumer goods have a responsibility to the public. We trust that the items we buy will be safe and without manufacturing defect. Unfortunately, consumer trust is very often broken. When this happens, holding responsible parties accountable for their actions is absolutely essential. However, there are deadlines for filing. If you’re hoping to recover damages that can help you start rebuilding your life, you need an experienced legal team on your side.
That’s what you’ll find at Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels. Contact us today.
Contact a San Antonio Product Liability Attorney Today
Anyone with a defective product claim may have a long road to securing financial recovery. Product liability compensation requires proving liability, showcasing a lack of liability on the claimant’s part, and jumping through various legal hoops. The simple fact is that these cases can be incredibly complex, and navigating the legal process while trying to focus on medical recovery and growing expenses can be incredibly stressful. Fortunately, this is not something you have to take on alone. If you or a loved one were injured due to a product defect, help is available.
At Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels, our dedicated team of Texas personal injury attorneys is here to help. Our lawyers will work diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case on behalf of our clients. We will negotiate with insurance companies representing the manufacturer or seller to ensure our clients receive fair and adequate compensation for their damages. It’s sometimes difficult for a person to move forward after they’ve suffered injuries, but with the help of a San Antonio product liability lawyer, it’s possible to secure fair compensation and get started on rebuilding your life.
Contact us at (210) 801-9314 for a free consultation on your case.