Can I Sue for Damages If a Defective Product Harmed Me?
Here’s What You Need to Know and Why Willoughby Shulman Injury Lawyers is Here to Help.
We rely on products every day, trusting that the items we use—whether it’s a car, an appliance, or a toy—are safe and functional. But what happens when that trust is broken? Defective products can cause serious injuries, and if you’ve been harmed by one, you may wonder: Can I sue for damages if a defective product harmed me?
The answer is yes, you can sue for damages if a defective product caused your injury. However, the process can be complicated, and it’s essential to understand your rights and how to pursue compensation. That’s where the expertise of Willoughby Shulman Injury Lawyers comes in. With years of experience handling defective product cases in Nevada, we are here to guide you through every step and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to holding a manufacturer or seller responsible for placing a defective product into the hands of a consumer. In Nevada, if you’ve been harmed by a defective product, you have the legal right to file a product liability claim. These claims generally fall into three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects.
A design defect occurs when a product’s design is inherently unsafe. Even if the product is manufactured correctly, the flawed design makes it dangerous. On the other hand, manufacturing defects happen when a product is designed safely, but an error during its production renders it unsafe for use. Marketing defects refer to cases where the product does not include adequate warnings or instructions, leading to improper use and resulting injuries. Understanding the type of defect that caused your injury is essential to building a successful case.
How Do I Prove My Case?
To sue for damages caused by a defective product, you must establish a few critical elements. First, you need to prove that you were injured or suffered losses. It’s not enough that the product was defective; you must show that the defect directly caused harm, such as physical injuries or financial losses, like medical bills and lost wages.
Second, you need to demonstrate that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer or seller’s control. Whether it’s a design flaw, a manufacturing error, or insufficient instructions, you must provide evidence that the product was inherently unsafe. Next, it’s essential to show that the defect caused your injury. For instance, if you were involved in a car accident due to faulty brakes, you must prove that the brake defect, rather than driver error, caused the crash.
Lastly, you must demonstrate that you were using the product in a reasonably foreseeable way at the time of the injury. If the injury occurred while you were using the product improperly or in a way that was not intended, the manufacturer or seller may argue that they are not liable for the injury.
Why You Need Willoughby Shulman Injury Lawyers
At Willoughby Shulman Injury Lawyers, we specialize in personal injury cases, including product liability. Navigating a product liability case can be complex, but having an experienced legal team on your side ensures that no detail is overlooked. We have successfully handled numerous product liability claims in Nevada and know how to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for the harm caused by defective products.
When you work with Willoughby Shulman, you receive personalized attention. Unlike large firms where your case might get passed off to a junior associate, our founders, Eric Willoughby and Steve Shulman, will handle your case personally. You’ll have direct access to experienced attorneys who are dedicated to winning your case and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Moreover, our firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. You only pay if we win your case. This arrangement allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees. It also ensures that we are fully committed to winning your case, as our payment depends on it.
In addition to our contingency fee structure, we offer a free case consultation. During this initial meeting, we’ll review your situation, assess whether you have a valid claim, and provide honest advice on the best course of action. Our team will guide you through the legal process, handling the paperwork, negotiations, and, if necessary, courtroom representation, so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive?
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to recover several types of compensation. Medical expenses are often a significant part of a personal injury claim, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and rehabilitation costs. If your injury has caused you to miss work, you can also seek compensation for lost wages. In cases where your injury has a long-term impact on your ability to earn a living, future lost wages can also be included in the compensation.
Beyond financial losses, you may also be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering. This includes the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury. In extreme cases, the court may also award punitive damages if the manufacturer’s actions were particularly negligent. These damages are meant to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.
How to Reach Us
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective product, don’t wait to seek legal help. Willoughby Shulman Injury Lawyers is here to provide the support and expertise you need. You can reach us by calling (702) 852-6688 or by visiting our office at 1480 Center Crossing Rd. Suite 280, Las Vegas, NV 89144.