Product Liability

Product Liability Attorney Orland Park | Greater Chicago

Product liability is an important area of law that holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for defective or dangerous products that cause harm to consumers. This legal process plays a significant role in ensuring public safety by requiring companies to prioritize quality control and accurate product labeling.

If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective product, product liability laws provide a means to seek justice and compensation. Michael J. Brennan is a skilled attorney with decades of experience in product liability cases and a proven record of success helping clients obtain fair compensation.

What Is Product Liability?

Product liability is the legal responsibility that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have for injuries or damages that result from products that are defective or unsafe. This liability occurs when a product fails to meet reasonable safety standards, leading to harm to users or other parties.

Product liability applies to various industries, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, children’s toys, and household appliances, among others. In Illinois, product liability cases are governed by both common law principles and specific statutory regulations, such as the Uniform Commercial Code and the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Additionally, federal oversight is provided through agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which sets safety standards for products and enforces compliance with them. It is crucial to understand both state and federal laws to effectively navigate product liability matters.

Types of Product Liability Claims

Design Defects

A design defect occurs when the inherent design of a product makes it unusually dangerous, regardless of how well it is manufactured. For instance, if a car model is prone to rolling over during normal driving conditions, this may indicate a design flaw.

Manufacturing Defects

These defects occur during production or assembly, making specific products unsafe despite their otherwise safe design. A classic example is contaminated food or improperly welded car parts.

Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn)

This type of issue involves inadequate instructions or warnings about potential risks associated with using a product. For example, failing to warn consumers about the flammability of clothing can lead to serious burn injuries.

A notable case involves Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder litigation, where plaintiffs allege that the company failed to disclose cancer risks associated with their product. These high-profile cases emphasize the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Liability in product liability cases extends through the “chain of distribution”, which means that multiple parties may be responsible, depending on their involvement in bringing the product to market:

Manufacturers: Responsible for designing and manufacturing safe products.

Distributors: Must ensure proper handling and storage during transportation.

Retailers: Obligated to sell only safe products and warn customers about potential hazards.

Third-party component makers: Suppliers of components that may be integrated into larger products, but are not directly responsible for the safety of the final product.

Compensation in Product Liability Cases

Victims of defective products may be entitled to recover various types of compensation:

• Economic Damages: Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage.
• Non-economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages : Awarded in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct to punish defendants and deter future wrongdoing.

Class actions may be filed when a large number of people are affected by the same problem, while individual lawsuits allow for more personalized representation based on specific circumstances. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform approximately $1 billion was paid out in product liability lawsuits each year between 2015 and 2020, illustrating the significant impact of these cases across the country.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Defective products can cause serious injuries, but you don’t have to face the consequences alone. If you or a loved one have been harmed by a dangerous or defective product, contact Michael J. Brennan, Esq., Injury & Accident Lawyer, for a free consultation.

We will investigate your case, identify responsible parties, and work relentlessly to ensure that manufacturers and distributors are held accountable. Our legal team will fight for the compensation you deserve your free case evaluation with a trusted Orland Park product liability attorney online.

To schedule your free evaluation, visit our website or call us at (708) 460-9300 to speak with a trusted Orland Park product liability attorney.