Trusted And Respected Virginia Product Liability Lawyers

From defective airbags and seatbelts to hazardous toys, product liability issues can arise in a number of cases. At Sethi & Sledd, PLLC, we represent clients who have been hurt by negligent manufacturers, product designers and other liable parties. Whether you’ve been hurt by a defective automobile part or a defective household appliance, our team knows how to handle these complex cases.

Understanding The Three Types Of Product Liability Claims

Injured consumers considering a product liability claim in Northern Virginia should know how product injuries are handled. There are three main types of product liability claims available to the injured, each addressing the unique way a product can harm users due to defects or oversights. They include:

• Defective product design: Here, a product liability issue arises when a product is inherently defective in its design. This means that the product is still unreasonably dangerous even when manufactured correctly and used as intended. For example, if a kitchen appliance is designed with exposed, sharp edges that could easily injure users during normal operation, this would be considered a design defect.
• Manufacturing errors: In this category, product liability stems from defects introduced during manufacturing. Even if the product’s design is safe, errors in assembly or production can make it dangerous. It could include using substandard materials, improper assembly or contamination during production. For instance, a batch of children’s toys may have parts that detach easily, posing a choking hazard.
• Insufficient warning labels: This type of product liability issue involves a lack of adequate warning labels or instructions. Some products have inherent risks that cannot be eliminated through design or manufacturing, and users must be sufficiently warned about these dangers. For example, cleaning products should include clear labels cautioning users against mixing them with other chemicals to prevent harmful reactions. Without proper warnings, consumers may unknowingly expose themselves to risks.

If you believe you have been injured by a defective product, our Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., product liability lawyers are here for you. Call 703-925-9500.

What Is Strict Liability?

Strict liability is a legal doctrine that holds manufacturers, distributors and sellers responsible for harm caused by defective products, regardless of whether they acted negligently. This means that even if a company exercised reasonable care in designing, manufacturing or marketing a product, it can still be held liable if the product is defective and causes injury.

The principle of strict liability exists to protect consumers and help ensure accountability. It shifts the burden of proving fault away from the injured party and focuses on whether the product was defective and caused harm.

For example, if a car’s brakes fail due to a manufacturing defect and cause an accident, the manufacturer can be held strictly liable for the damages. In addition, if a household appliance, such as a blender, has a design flaw that causes it to overheat and catch fire during normal use, the company responsible for the design could be held liable under strict liability.

Steps To Take In A Product Liability Case

Consumer products go through comprehensive testing and assessment to ensure they are safe for use. However, not all products meet the standards of safety – whether due to faulty design or negligent manufacturing. After suffering an injury caused by a defective product, it is important that you follow certain steps.

Make sure you do the following after getting necessary medical attention:

• Preserve the defective product – keep it in a secure location where it won’t be handled
• Document the injuries or damages the product caused (especially if you can’t store it)
• Keep track of any receipts, packaging, instructions, manuals, warranties, etc.
• Do NOT return the product or give it back to the store/manufacturer

The sooner you retain counsel following your injury, the better. Having a seasoned product liability attorney in Virginia and Washington, D.C., on your side can ensure the best possible outcome. Our team can help you gather evidence, review product reports and safety measures and investigate any potential issues with the product and manufacturer.

Fighting For Northern Virginia Injury Victims For 30-Plus Combined Years

When product testing and quality control fail to catch dangerous and defective products, consumers are the ones who suffer. If you or a loved one is dealing with the repercussions of a defective product, Sethi & Sledd, PLLC is ready to pursue justice on your behalf.

Our attorneys have handled some of the most complex injury cases in the state. You can be confident trusting your defective product case to us. We can represent clients in Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties and Washington, D.C., from our office in Reston.

Schedule a consultation by calling 703-925-9500 or sending an email today.