What Types Of Defective Products Lawsuits Are Successful?

It could be a toy your child received for their birthday, a lawnmower bought last spring, or a pressure cooker used for making dinner. Unfortunately, products can be defective and dangerous, leading to serious injuries or deaths. When a product fails to work as intended and someone is seriously hurt because of it, the injured person or their family (if there's a death) may have the right to file a product liability claim against those responsible.

What Is A Product Liability Lawsuit?

A product liability lawsuit seeks compensation for injuries caused by a defective or dangerous product. If you were using the product as intended but still got hurt, you might be eligible for damages.

Depending on the situation, these damages may include:

• Medical bills and ongoing care
• Lost income or loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death benefits (in cases of fatal injuries)

In these situations, plaintiffs can file claims against manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, or retailers — essentially any party in the product's supply chain.

What Are Some Types of Defective Product Cases?

In Pennsylvania, product liability cases typically fall into one of three categories:

• Manufacturing Defects: These happen when a product strays from its intended design because of a mistake during production. Usually, only some units made during a certain time period are affected.
• Design Defects: These claims argue that the product was inherently unsafe because of its design, even if it was made correctly.
• Failure to Warn: Sometimes a product does not have enough warnings or instructions, making it unsafe even when used correctly. This includes incorrect labeling, incomplete instructions, or failure to reveal known risks.

To be successful, a claim must demonstrate that the product was defective, the defect caused injury, and the product was used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable manner.

Understanding Pennsylvania's Legal Framework

Pennsylvania uses strict liability rules in product defect cases, meaning that plaintiffs don't have to prove negligence, only that the product was defective and caused injury.

Importantly, Pennsylvania law allows plaintiffs to prove a defective design using two different standards.

• The Consumer Expectations Test: Did the product fail to perform as safely as an average consumer would expect?
• The Risk-Utility Test: Do the risks of the product's design outweigh its benefits? Could a safer, feasible alternative have been used?

Crucially, it is juries, not judges, who decide whether a product is unreasonably dangerous under either standard.

What Are Some Examples of Lawsuits Involving Defective Products?

Lawsuits over defective products can involve nearly any type, but some categories are more frequently linked to serious injuries or fatalities.

Automotive Parts

Cars and trucks must be safe for both drivers and passengers. Defective airbags, faulty ignition switches, brake failures, or fuel system defects can cause serious crashes or fatalities.

Medical Devices

Implants, birth control devices, surgical mesh, and other devices inserted into the body must be safe and effective. When these fail or are poorly designed, the results can be devastating and long-lasting.

Prescription Drugs

Some medications have caused serious harm due to manufacturing mistakes, undisclosed side effects, or defective formulas. These include drugs used for blood clots, arthritis, hormone issues, and other conditions.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices

E-cigarettes and vape products have resulted in thousands of injuries, such as lung damage and burns. Lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers for faulty design, battery explosions, and deceptive marketing.

Industrial Equipment

Heavy machinery used in factories, construction sites, or agriculture can be extremely dangerous if it is defective. Workers have experienced amputations, crush injuries, and even fatalities due to malfunctioning equipment.

Lawn Mowers and Household Tools

Products used around the home, such as lawn mowers, power tools, and pressure cookers, can cause burns, cuts, or serious injuries when they have design flaws or lack safety features.

What's the Time Limit for Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, most product liability claims must be filed within two years of the injury date or the date the injury was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered). There are limited exceptions, such as when the defendant fraudulently concealed the defect.

If you're thinking about taking legal action, it's crucial to act quickly. After the deadline passes, you might lose your right to seek compensation.

What About Multi-State or Class Action Cases?

Many defective products are distributed across the country. When several consumers in different states are harmed, class action lawsuits or multi-district litigation (MDL) may be initiated.

These cases often involve complicated issues of jurisdiction and choice of law, especially when Pennsylvania plaintiffs are involved. In some instances, these cases are transferred to federal court under the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA), which may change the procedures and remedies available.

A skilled product liability attorney can help decide whether your case should be filed individually or as part of a larger lawsuit.

Injured by a Defective Product? Choose Ross Feller Casey For Legal Help

You might be eligible for financial compensation if you've been injured or have lost a loved one due to a defective product. Because these types of lawsuits can be complex both legally and medically, it's important to hire a knowledgeable product liability attorney to assist with your case.

At Ross Feller Casey, our legal team has the experience and track record you need. We have helped families like yours secure substantial verdicts and settlements in numerous product liability cases. Additionally, we have physicians on staff who review your medical records to determine the extent of your injuries.

We must hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for producing and selling products that cause harm. A Ross Feller Casey product liability attorney can help you get the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact Ross Feller Casey today to arrange your free consultation. No need to worry about upfront costs. We manage all defective product cases on a contingency basis—you won’t pay anything until there is a financial recovery.