Design Defects Lawsuit Claims Lawyer
When designing a product, manufacturers have an obligation to ensure it will be safe when used as intended. This includes medical devices, toys, appliances, auto parts and any product that is on the market. Most products must go through a rigorous testing process to ensure that they are safe, but some manage to slip through the safety protocols. When a product is designed with safety defects, they can be dangerous to consumers and cause injuries or death.
What is a Design Defect?
Defective products typically fall within two primary categories, each with distinct characteristics and implications for consumer safety and liability.
Manufacturing defects occur when errors or flaws arise during the production or assembly of a product. Despite the product’s intended design being sound, mistakes made during manufacturing compromise its safety or functionality. Examples of manufacturing defects include:
- Incorrect assembly of components leading to structural weaknesses.
- Substandard materials or components used during the manufacturing process.
- Malfunctioning or improperly calibrated machinery used in production.
Manufacturing defects can significantly undermine the safety and reliability of products, posing risks to consumers and potentially resulting in accidents or injuries.
Design defects, on the other hand, stem from inherent flaws or inadequacies in the conceptualization and formulation of a product’s design. Unlike manufacturing defects, which occur during production, design defects are inherent to the product’s blueprint and can render it unsafe or unreasonably dangerous when used as intended. Examples of design defects include:
- Inadequate testing or evaluation of the product’s design for potential hazards or vulnerabilities.
- Failure to incorporate appropriate safety features or mechanisms into the product’s design.
- Utilization of materials or configurations known to pose inherent risks to consumers.
Design defects pose significant risks to consumer safety and may result in serious injuries or accidents when products are used as intended.
For instance, consider a motorcycle helmet designed with a material prone to shattering upon impact. Despite being marketed as protective gear, the helmet’s flawed design renders it ineffective in safeguarding against head injuries in the event of an accident. Had proper testing and evaluation been conducted during the design phase, potential risks associated with the helmet’s composition could have been identified and mitigated.
Individuals who sustain brain injuries due to the defective design of such a helmet may be eligible to pursue compensation through a design defect claim against the manufacturer. By holding accountable those responsible for the flawed design and distribution of unsafe products, affected individuals can seek restitution for the physical, emotional and financial hardships endured due to their injuries.
Design Defect Injury Claims
When a product has a design defect that is unsafe, consumers can file a defective product claim against the manufacturer or retailer. A few stipulations must be met for a design defect claim. First, there must have been an injury and damages caused by the defect. Secondly, the product must have been used as intended when the injury occurred. There are many other possible considerations, which is why it is vital to have an experienced design defect attorney to build a solid case.
If you have been harmed by a dangerous product with a design defect, contact our team at Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law. We can help you or a family member explore legal options. If we handle your claim, we will work diligently to seek the highest settlement for your injury case.