Beverly Hills Product Liability Attorney

Building Solid Cases for Those Injured By Dangerous Products

Every year, millions of Americans are injured due to defective products of all types, from medical devices and toys to car parts and even some types of heavy machinery. Product liability cases tend to be particularly complicated because they typically involve class-action lawsuits, meaning that many victims and families are bringing suit against companies who are known to sell dangerous products.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product, you may have grounds to pursue a product liability claim. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our experienced Beverly Hills product liability lawyers are committed to helping victims hold negligent manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable. A defective product can cause significant harm, and seeking legal representation can help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress.

Can’t come to us? We can come to you! Call our team at (310) 273-1230 today to schedule your free consultation.

What is Product Liability?

Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for the harm caused by defective products. When you purchase or use a product, you have the right to expect that it is safe for its intended use. However, when a product is defectively designed, improperly manufactured, or lacks sufficient warnings, it can pose a significant risk to consumers.

In a product liability case, the injured party may seek compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The goal of a product liability claim is to hold the responsible party accountable for producing or selling a dangerous product.

The following are some of the most common types of defective products involved in product liability claims:

• Auto Parts: Defective auto parts can result in catastrophic accidents. Examples include faulty brakes, defective airbags, and malfunctioning steering components. These defects can cause severe injury or death, and auto manufacturers may be held liable for producing unsafe vehicles or components.
• Medical Devices: Defective medical devices such as pacemakers, hip implants, and surgical instruments can have life-altering consequences. If a medical device malfunctions or is improperly designed, it can lead to serious health complications, requiring additional surgeries or medical interventions.
• Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to ensure their products are safe for consumers. If a drug is defectively designed, contaminated during manufacturing, or fails to include adequate warnings about potential side effects, the pharmaceutical company may be held liable.
• Children’s Products: Defective children’s products, such as toys, cribs, car seats, and strollers, can pose a significant danger to infants and young children. If a child is injured due to a faulty or unsafe product, the manufacturer may be responsible for the resulting harm.
• Household Products: Everyday household items like appliances, cleaning products, or electronics can become dangerous if they are defectively designed or manufactured. If these products cause harm due to a defect, you may have a valid product liability claim.

Strict Liability in Florida

In product liability cases, Florida follows a "strict liability" standard. This means that the injured party does not need to prove that the manufacturer or seller was negligent in order to win their case. Instead, the focus is on whether the product was defective and whether that defect caused the injury.

Under strict liability, a product can be considered defective in three primary ways:

• Design Defects: These occur when a product is inherently unsafe due to its design. Even if the product is manufactured correctly, the design itself poses a danger to users. For example, a car with a top-heavy design that makes it prone to rollovers could be considered defectively designed.
• Manufacturing Defects: A manufacturing defect occurs when a product that is properly designed becomes unsafe due to an error during production. This could include products that are assembled incorrectly, have missing components, or are made with substandard materials.
• Failure to Warn: If a product does not come with adequate warnings or instructions regarding its proper use, it can be considered defective. Manufacturers have a responsibility to inform consumers of any risks associated with using their products. For instance, failing to warn users about potential allergic reactions to a pharmaceutical drug could result in a failure-to-warn claim.

How Our Team Can Help

Product liability cases can be complex, and proving that a product was defective often requires thorough investigation, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of state and federal laws. Working with an experienced Beverly Hills product liability attorney from Carpenter & Zuckerman can make all the difference in your case.

Here’s how we can help:

• Investigating the Defect: We work with industry experts to investigate the defect, determine its origin, and establish whether the defect caused your injury.
• Collecting Evidence: We gather all relevant evidence, including product testing reports, manufacturing records, and other documentation that can prove the product’s defectiveness.
• Proving Causation: It is crucial to link the defect to your injury. Our attorneys can help demonstrate how the defective product led to your damages, which may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Negotiating with Manufacturers: Many product liability claims are settled outside of court. Our team is skilled at negotiating with manufacturers and insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
• Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and will fight to protect your rights.

Contact us today at (310) 273-1230 to schedule a free consultation with our Beverly Hills product liability attorneys.