Philadelphia Product Liability Lawyer

A Philadelphia product liability lawyer at Munley Law can fight for your rights if a defective product has caused harm to you or a loved one. The products we use daily, from auto parts and medical devices to children’s toys and household appliances, should be safe and reliable. Yet dangerous and defective items continue to injure Philadelphia consumers at an alarming rate.

When manufacturers, distributors, or retailers put unsafe products into the marketplace, they must be held accountable for the devastating consequences. Serious injuries and even deaths occur because companies fail to ensure the safety of their products. If a dangerous product has harmed you or a family member, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your losses.

Our experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorneys understand the complex Pennsylvania laws governing defective products and have a proven track record of holding negligent companies responsible. We thoroughly investigate every case, work with industry experts, and aggressively pursue maximum compensation for our clients. Contact us today to learn how we can help you seek justice.

Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

Product Liability Risks

Defective and dangerous products remain a serious safety concern across the United States. In 2024, 15.1 million people across the U.S. were treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by consumer products. The top three causative products were:

• Stairs, landings, floors, ramps
• Beds, pillows, mattresses
• Chairs, sofa beds, sofas

In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees millions of vehicle recalls annually due to safety-related defects, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to report rising recalls involving medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

These numbers highlight an alarming reality: unsafe products are still reaching consumers despite existing safety regulations. When manufacturers fail to properly test, design, or warn about risks, the consequences can be life-changing or even fatal.

Product Liability Cases We Handle in Philadelphia

Our Philadelphia product liability lawyers represent clients who have suffered due to incidents involving all types of dangerous and defective products. The product liability team at Munley Law has handled cases involving:

• Automotive defects (including Takata airbags, GM ignition switch recalls, and more)
• Explosive e-cigarettes
• Hernia mesh and other implants
• Faulty machinery and construction equipment
• IVC blood clot filters
• Stryker hip implants
• Talcum powder linked to ovarian cancer

Many different types of products can result in serious injury because of poor design, faulty construction, or insufficient warning labels. The product liability and personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have handled cases against automakers, drug companies, tech companies, and equipment manufacturers of all sizes. Taking on a big company can be intimidating; having the right lawyer on your side can level the playing field regardless of your opponent.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Product?

Product liability claims often involve more than one responsible party. Depending on how the defect occurred, victims can hold multiple companies in the supply chain accountable.

Liable parties may include:

• Product manufacturers
• Manufacturers of individual components or parts
• Distributors and wholesalers
• Retailers that sold the product to consumers

Even if a retailer did not create the defect, they can still be held responsible for selling a dangerous product. Identifying all liable parties is a critical step in maximizing compensation, especially in cases involving large corporations or complex distribution networks.

Common Injuries Caused by Defective Products

Defective products can cause a wide range of serious and life-altering injuries. The severity often depends on the type of product and the nature of the defect.

Common injuries include:

• Severe burns from explosions or overheating devices
• Amputations due to malfunctioning machinery
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal injuries from defective medical devices
• Toxic exposure leading to long-term illness or cancer
• Traumatic brain injuries caused by defective auto parts or equipment

Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment and can permanently impact a victim’s quality of life.

Pennsylvania Product Liability Law

Pennsylvania follows a strict liability approach in product liability cases, meaning an injured consumer does not have to prove that a manufacturer was negligent. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court restated the standard in Tincher v. Omega Flex, Inc., 104 A.3d 328 (Pa. 2014). Under Tincher, a product is defective if it fails either the consumer expectations test (it is unsafe beyond what an ordinary consumer would expect) or the risk-utility test (a reasonable manufacturer would not have sold the product knowing the risks).

To recover, a plaintiff must generally show:

• The product was defective
• The defect existed when it left the defendant’s control
• The defect directly caused the injury

Because these cases involve complex legal and technical issues, working with an experienced product liability lawyer is essential to winning your case.

How to Prove a Philadelphia Product Liability Claim

In Pennsylvania, proving that a company was negligent in filing a product liability lawsuit is unnecessary. However, there are specific criteria you must prove for your claim to succeed.

Under Pennsylvania’s product liability law, there are three primary ways in which a product can be considered legally defective. These are:

• Design Defect – The product includes an unsafe feature or lacks one that makes it safe for use or consumption.
• Manufacturing Defect – The product is unsafe due to an issue with its construction or manufacture.
• Failure to Warn – The product lacked adequate instructions or warnings about potential risks.

You will need the help of experienced Philadelphia product liability lawyers to prove this.

How Product Liability Cases Are Investigated

Product liability cases require thorough investigation and expert analysis to determine exactly how a defect caused an injury. At Munley Law, attorneys take a detailed and strategic approach to building each case.

This process may include:

• Inspecting and preserving the defective product
• Conducting engineering and safety testing
• Reviewing manufacturer records and safety reports
• Consulting with medical professionals and industry experts
• Checking recall databases from agencies such as the CPSC, FDA, and NHTSA
• Identifying similar claims or patterns of injury

This level of investigation is essential to proving liability and securing full compensation.

What If I Were Injured by a Machine or Harmful Substance at Work?

If you were hurt on the job, you should report the injury to your supervisor and file a workers’ compensation claim. However, if your injury was caused by a faulty piece of machinery, equipment, or other harmful products, you may also be able to file a product liability lawsuit in addition to claiming workers’ compensation. When heavy machinery malfunctions, it often results in serious injuries, amputations, or permanent scarring or disability. A law firm such as Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help ensure you receive specific loss payments and any additional compensation you are entitled to.

Every situation is different, so the best way to determine your legal options is to speak with an experienced injury lawyer in Philadelphia.

What to Do After a Defective Product Injury

Taking the right steps after an injury caused by a defective product can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. If you have been injured, you should:

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Preserve the product in its current condition
• Keep all packaging, instructions, and receipts
• Take photos of the product and your injuries
• Avoid repairing or altering the product
• Do not speak with insurance companies without legal guidance
• Contact an experienced product liability lawyer

Acting quickly helps protect critical evidence and strengthens your claim.

Compensation Available For Product Liability Lawsuits in Philadelphia

When a defective product causes injury, victims can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages through a product liability lawsuit. The full scope of recoverable damages often extends far beyond what many victims initially realize, which is why consulting with experienced Philadelphia attorneys for defective products is essential.

The types of compensation you may be entitled to receive include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to treating your injuries, both immediate and long-term. You can seek compensation for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation services, physical therapy, medical devices, and any future medical care you may need due to your injuries.
• Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If your injuries have forced you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn income, you can recover compensation for lost wages. This extends to future lost earnings if your injuries affect your long-term earning potential or prevent you from returning to your previous occupation.
• Pain and Suffering: Product liability lawsuits recognize the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries. Compensation can cover both acute pain from the initial injury and chronic pain that persists during recovery or becomes permanent.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: When defective products cause permanent scarring or disfigurement, you can seek compensation for these life-altering changes to your appearance. This includes reconstructive surgery costs and the emotional impact of living with visible scars or disfigurement.
• Emotional Distress: The psychological impact of a serious injury can be profound. You may recover damages for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other emotional trauma resulting from the incident and your injuries.
• Quality of Life Impact: Injuries from defective products often affect your ability to enjoy life as you did before. Compensation may cover loss of enjoyment of life, inability to participate in hobbies or activities, and strain on personal relationships.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Additional costs directly related to your injury may be recoverable, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate disabilities, in-home care services, and medical equipment.
• Loss of Consortium: In cases where injuries affect spousal relationships, compensation may be available for loss of companionship, support, and intimate relations.

Given the complexity of product liability cases and the extensive damages available, working with an attorney who has the experience to properly evaluate your claim and pursue maximum compensation for all applicable damages is essential. Your attorney will gather evidence, document your losses, and build a strong case to support your claim for current and future damages.

Statute of Limitations on Product Liability Cases

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for product liability claims is two years from the date of injury. However, under the “discovery rule,” it is possible for this deadline to be extended under certain circumstances. If you sustained injuries because of product defects and believe you may have a claim, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible – even if you think your claim may have expired.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Product Liability Claims

Can I Still Sue If the Dangerous Product Has Been Recalled?

Yes. In many cases, when a product is found to be unsafe, the manufacturer will recall the product from the marketplace. However, this typically does not occur until multiple people have been seriously harmed. If a recalled product hurts you, contact a Philadelphia product liability lawyer to learn more about your rights.

What is the Difference Between a Mass Tort and a Class Action Lawsuit?

If a dangerous product has injured you, chances are you’re not alone. Often, defective products result in class action lawsuits or mass torts. These types of legal action involve multiple plaintiffs harmed by a single defendant. In both types of proceedings, plaintiffs with similar grievances are consolidated into a single lawsuit rather than hundreds of court cases. However, there are some differences between the two.

• In a class action, a group of people is represented collectively by a member or members of the group
• In a mass tort, each plaintiff’s claim is evaluated individually instead of in a group, and compensation is awarded according to the damages suffered by each individual.

If you were hurt by a product that may be the subject of a class action or mass tort, a Philadelphia product liability lawyer at Munley Law can help you decide how to proceed.

Can a Product Be Considered Defective Even If It Wasn’t Recalled?

Yes. While millions of products are recalled each year, these recalls are issued only after a dangerous feature has been discovered. On the other hand, many defective products are never recalled at all. Therefore, while you can check to see if the product that injured you or a family member has been recalled, this should not be a factor in your decision to speak with a products liability lawyer.

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Product Liability Claim?

You may have a claim if a product caused injury while being used as intended and had a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warning. An attorney can evaluate whether the defect directly caused your injuries.

How Long Do Product Liability Cases Take to Resolve?

These cases can take several months to a few years, depending on complexity, severity of injuries, and whether the case goes to trial or settles.

Do I Need the Original Product to File a Claim?

While not always required, preserving the product significantly strengthens your case. It allows experts to examine the defect and determine how it caused your injury.

Can I File a Claim If I Misused the Product?

Possibly. If the misuse was reasonably foreseeable, manufacturers may still be liable. This is a complex issue best reviewed by an attorney.

What If Multiple People Were Injured by the Same Product?

You may be able to join a mass tort or multidistrict litigation (MDL), where similar cases are handled together while still allowing individual compensation.

Why Choose Munley Law for Your Product Liability Case in Philadelphia?

Munley Law has built a national reputation for handling complex product liability and mass tort cases against some of the largest corporations in the world. Our attorneys have secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for clients harmed by defective medical devices, dangerous pharmaceuticals, and unsafe consumer products.

For example, Munley Law secured a $3 million settlement in a product liability claim where an employee suffered an arm amputation when it was caught between a badly modified box-crushing machine.

Our firm includes lawyers recognized by organizations such as Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We also have several attorneys who are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a distinction held by only a small percentage of trial lawyers nationwide. These include partners Daniel Munley and Marion Munley.

What sets Munley Law apart is our ability to take on powerful manufacturers and win. We work with leading engineers, medical professionals, and industry experts to build strong, evidence-backed cases. With no upfront fees and a commitment to personal attention, we fight to secure the maximum compensation our clients deserve.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Philadelphia Product Liability Lawyer at Munley Law

For more information about the compensation available for defective product-related injuries in Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.

To speak with a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer with experience, call or inquire online today with Munley Law.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747