Cape Girardeau Product Liability Lawyer

Commonly Defective Products

According to the National Safety Council, 12,740,256 Americans were injured by consumer products in 2023. Product liability claims can arise from defects in nearly any type of item. Here are some of the most commonly defective goods:

• Automotive parts and vehicles
• Medical devices and pharmaceuticals
• Children’s toys
• Electronics and household appliances
• Industrial machinery and tools
• Food and beverages
• Construction materials
• Cosmetics and personal care products
• Exercise equipment
• Home improvement products and equipment

Any of the above products can cause injuries if they malfunction or are defective. And, if you’re hurt, you may be able to claim compensation from any liable party for the damages you incurred when using it.

Injures Caused by Defective Products

In product liability claims, someone can suffer anything from minor to life-threatening injuries. Some of the common ones include:

• Chemical or electrical burns
• Cuts and lacerations
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
• Internal organ damage
• Skin irritations
• Respiratory issues
• Infections
• Amputations
• Foodborne illnesses
• Preventable death

In these situations, the type of injury plays a role in calculating damages. For example, if you suffered a long-term disability, you may be entitled to more compensation that goes to cover your future medical costs and diminished earning capacity than if you have a temporary injury or illness. You will want to talk to a product liability lawyer in Cape Girardeau to learn more about the connection between your injuries and how much you may be entitled to receive as an award.

Who Is Responsible for What Happened to You?

Under these circumstances, several parties along the distribution chain may be responsible for a defective product getting into your hands. They include:

• Product designers
• Manufacturers
• Distributors
• Retailers
• Maintenance or repair companies

Each party may share responsibility in product liability claims in southeastern Missouri, and identifying the correct liable entities can be complicated. Often, attorneys like ours must examine every stage of the product’s journey, from design and manufacturing through sales and marketing, to pinpoint where the defect originated and whether multiple parties contributed to your accident and how they might have.

Product Liability Laws in Missouri

In our state, anyone injured by a defective product has the right to file product liability claims. However, they must be able to prove that one of the following three types of defects existed to do so:

• Design defects: These are inherent flaws in the product’s design that make it dangerous even if manufactured correctly.
• Manufacturing defects: These occur when an error during the production process makes the product unsafe.
• Marketing defects: This is also a failure to warn. When a product does not have the proper instructions or warnings, it can lead to potential misuse and injury.

Missouri takes the strict liability approach. With that, an injured party does not need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. Instead, they only need to show that the product was defective, which resulted in an injury.

Under their statute of limitations, product liability claims must be filed within five years of the injury. There is also a 10-year statute of repose. In those cases, claims cannot be brought if more than ten years have passed since the product was first sold unless the manufacturer offered a longer warranty.

Damages Available if a Consumer Good Harmed You in Cape Girardeau County

If a malfunctioning product has injured you or a loved one, you could be entitled to various types of compensation, such as:

• Medical expenses for treatment related to the injury, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and continuous care.
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity compensation for time missed from work and any future loss of income due to injuries.
• Pain and suffering damage awards for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life as a result of your injuries.

If the manufacturer’s actions were especially reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. However, these happen in very rare cases. If you would like to know what compensation you could receive, consult with a Cape Girardeau product liability lawyer.

What To Do If a Defective Item Led to Your Injuries in MO

If you were injured by a defective product in Cape Girardeau, you need to take steps to preserve the evidence in the event you decide to pursue a legal claim.

• Always get medical attention: Even if you don’t believe your injuries are serious, you will want to have them examined by a medical professional. Not only can you get treatment, but you can start the documentation process.
• Preserve the defective product: You might want to throw away the product, but it is important to keep it. Make sure to save the item, along with any packaging, manuals, or receipts.
• Document your injuries and losses: Along with your medical records, you need other types of evidence, such as photographs of the injury. Also, you may want to keep a record of all medical treatment, lost wages, and any other related expenses.
• Get legal help: If you were hurt in Missouri, you will want to work with an experienced Cape Girardeau product liability attorney to make sure your case adheres to the laws in our state.

Our Cape Girardeau Product Liability Lawyer Is Ready to Seek Compensation for You

If you have been injured in Missouri, you need a skilled product liability lawyer to handle your claim. We can help to:

• Conduct a full investigation of your injury and how the product was defective.
• Gather evidence to establish the type of defect and prove the manufacturer’s liability.
• Work with medical experts to evaluate your injuries and the full extent of your damages.
• Handle all legal paperwork, deadlines, and court filings to make sure your case complies with Missouri law.

At Prince Law Firm, we know that these cases can be traumatic and costly for you and your family. You put your trust into a product with the guarantee that it would be safe. Instead, you are left with injuries and other damages.

If you are ready to take the next steps, make sure to schedule a consultation with our Cape Girardeau product liability lawyer.