Most Americans use a number of electronic appliances each day to ease daily tasks. Unfortunately, these appliances can often injure their users. If an appliance that was unreasonably dangerous, defective, or lacking in adequate warnings has injured you or someone you know, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami product liability attorneys can analyze the facts of your situation and determine the viability of your claim.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, home appliance accidents cause over 150,000 emergency room visits each year. A number of appliances can cause injuries, including microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, space heaters, and ceiling fans, as well as stoves and ovens. Appliance accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including but not limited to bruises, cuts, serious burns, and even death.
If a hazardous or defective product has hurt you, you may be able to take legal action against the at-fault party. Manufacturers have an obligation to make safe appliances that work as intended. A wholesaler and retailer may also be liable for the injuries caused. Product liability lawsuits can be categorized in one of three ways: manufacturing defects, design defects, and failures to warn. A manufacturing defect takes place when an error is made in the assembly of a product, resulting in an item that is not made as it was supposed to be made. A design defect, on the other hand, occurs when there is a fundamental flaw in the design, which makes it inherently dangerous to users. Lastly, an injured victim may have a claim based on a manufacturer’s failure to warn the user about inherent but non-obvious risks.
Product liability cases are typically based on one or both of two legal theories: strict liability and negligence. Under the concept of strict liability, a lawsuit can be filed without the need to establish negligence or fault if a dangerous product caused the harm. This law is designed to make it easier for an injured consumer to sue either the product manufacturer or the retailer. In a negligence case, the plaintiff has to demonstrate that the defendant failed to use reasonable care in producing or marketing the appliance and that the negligence was a direct cause of the plaintiff’s injury. Negligence is often used as a legal theory in conjunction with strict liability.
If a faulty appliance caused your injury, you can claim compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. The exact amount of compensation will, of course, vary based on the specific facts of your case.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury due to a dangerous or faulty appliance, it is important to seek the help of a reputable Miami product liability attorney. With years of experience, we have helped many South Florida clients seek the compensation they deserve, and we can help you as well. We understand this is a stressful time, which is why we will handle each step of your legal journey with the utmost compassion. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns. To learn more, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.
More Blog Posts:
Stages of a Florida Personal Injury Case, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, August 5, 2016
Injuries at Florida Outdoor Events, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, August 5, 2016
Fireworks Injuries on the Fourth of July in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, August 5, 2016