Wilkes-Barre Product Liability Lawyer

The Wilkes-Barre product liability lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have won multi-million verdicts and settlements for people injured or killed by dangerous and defective products. Defective and unsafe products cause serious injuries and claim lives every day. When big companies release a defective product for consumers, they must be held responsible for the harm they cause.

Product liability cases tend to be highly complex. Not all personal injury firms have the resources or experience to devote to these kinds of cases. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys is different. With 65 years of experience, our law firm has built a nationwide reputation for taking on difficult cases against big companies. Our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America and have been board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a designation given only to attorneys who demonstrate high standards in trial advocacy. Let us help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

The Types of Product Liability Claims in Wilkes-Barre, PA

When you buy a product, receive medication, or use a machine at your job, you can expect it to be safe when used properly. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Flaws in design, manufacturing, marketing, or instructions associated with the product may result in a dangerous defect.

There are three types of defective product liability claims:

• Design Defect – A flaw in the original design of a product can present a potential hazard to consumers. The product may function correctly in a design defect claim, but the design makes it unsafe. When a defect is in the design of a product, it will usually affect every product.
• Manufacturing Defect—A dangerous product defect can result from an error in the manufacturing process. This type of defect is usually not found in all products but in just a certain batch or a small number that becomes harmful to the consumer due to the defect.
• Failure to Warn – Product manufacturers must warn consumers of any potential risks associated with a product. Anyone involved in the product distribution chain may be liable if a proper warning is not provided. Warning labels not only alert consumers to risks but also provide instructions as to safe usage. Pharmaceutical companies must disclose known risks or side effects associated with their medications.

As the injured victim of a defective product, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical treatment, any time missed from work, pain and suffering, and the lasting effects of your injury or illness.

How Do You Prove a Wilkes-Barre Product Liability Claim?

To win a product liability case, you must show injury as a result of using the defective product. You will also need to show that negligence was caused in the design or manufacturing of the product or a lack of sufficient warning or misleading marketing which led to your injuries. This can include:

• Failing to foresee probable uses for the product
• Failing to provide sufficient testing or inspection of the product prior to release
• Failing to warn of the risks of the product

If you have been injured in Wilkes-Barre, PA due to a dangerous product, the experienced product liability attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can review your case and determine who is liable for your injuries.

What to Do After Being Injured by a Defective Product in Wilkes-Barre

After an injury by a faulty product, you may not know what your next steps should be. As with any personal injury case, your next steps are important in protecting your future claim:

• Seek medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, you should get it checked out by a medical professional.
• Save the product that injured you, if possible. If you cannot safely preserve the item, take photos to document the defect.
• Get evidence. Begin to gather as much information as you can about the events that led to your injuries.
• Keep a record. Save all receipts and documentation of medical attention relating to your injuries.
• Contact us. Once you have a chance, contact a Wilkes-Barre injury lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. We have over 60 years of experience in product liability claims and we can help you get the compensation you deserve following an accident.

Examples of Product Liability in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Defective Vehicles/ Recalled Auto Parts

More than 40,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2016 alone. While the vast majority of car accidents in Wilkes-Barre result from driver error,  some motor vehicle crashes are the result of a malfunction in the vehicle itself.

As product liability lawyers, we have seen just how devastating automotive defects can be, including the GM ignition switch failure and exploding Takata airbags. In 2016, auto recalls hit a record 53.2 million. It was the third straight year that auto recalls set a record and topped 50 million.

If you believe that you were injured or a loved one killed due to a defect in the design or manufacturing of an automobile or auto part, you need a skilled product injury lawyer to help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Wilkes-Barre personal injury lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys today.

Defects that cause crashes can include:

• Vehicle design flaws
• Airbag defects
• Defective ignition switches
• Brake failure
• Defective tires
• Accelerator defects
• Faulty seat belts
• Steering defects
• Vehicle fires
• Defective fuel tanks/fuel system defects
• Rollovers caused by defective design
• Roof crush caused by defective design
• Transmission defects

Defective Medical Devices

Medical devices intended to enhance a patient’s care can sometimes put them at greater risk for harm. The manufacturers of medical devices have a duty to warn doctors of all potential risks associated with the use of their products. This, in turn, will enable doctors to warn patients of potential risks. If a defective or harmful medical device injured you or a loved one, you need an experienced product injury lawyer to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Defective medical devices can include:

• Hernia mesh implants
• IVC filters, blood clot filters
• Hip (recalled Stryker hip implants) and knee implants
• Defective defibrillators
• Defective pacemakers
• Defective heart valves
• Defective breast implants
• Defective dialysis machines
• Cancer morecelletors
• Defective heart monitors
• Defective stents

Bad Drugs and Medications

Pharmaceutical companies sometimes put profit before safety. In some cases, drug companies market a substance before completing the testing necessary to ensure the product is safe, and to discover all potential side effects. In other cases, companies may know of the potential risks but fail to warn the public. Drug injury litigation can be extremely complicated, so it is important to choose an experienced product liability lawyer to handle your case.

Exploding Electronics/Defective Batteries

Smartphones, hoverboards, e-cigarettes, and other electronic devices can pose a danger to consumers due to overheating batteries. The lithium batteries in these devices can overheat, melt, and explode, causing serious injuries.  Dangerous products with lithium batteries can include faulty Samsung Note 7 smartphones, hoverboards, and e-cigarettes or vape pens. Lithium-ion battery explosions are not common, but when they do happen, they can cause serious injury. In many cases, these products aren’t regulated properly or lack sufficient warnings and instructions for safe use.

Defective Tools and Machinery

Serious or fatal injuries can occur from the use of defective machinery and tools. Lack of safety devices or guards on sharp or industrial equipment or the failure to provide emergency shut-off switches can cause deadly injuries. Injuries from defective machines and tools can include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, amputation of limbs, spinal cord injuries, severe lacerations, disfigurement, and wrongful death.

Traumatic injuries can occur as the result of:

• Conveyor belt
• Circular saw, table saw, or power saw
• Blow torch
• Nail gun
• Sandblaster
• Lawnmower
• Wood chipper
• Scaffolding
• Ladder
• Household appliances
• Industrial equipment, balers, forklifts, bulldozers
• Exercise equipment
• Smoke detectors

Defective Toys and Children’s Products

The serious injury or death of a child is always devastating for a family. If the injury was preventable and due to a defective product, Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys wants to be sure your child and your family get the compensation they deserve through a liability claim.

• Defective child safety seats
• Defective baby furniture
• Defective cribs and mattresses
• Defective or toxic toys
• Flammable children’s clothing
• Defective bicycles
• Defective scooters and skateboards
• Defective bicycle helmets
• Defective playground equipment

Frequently Asked Questions About Product Liability Claims in Wilkes-Barre

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Wilkes-Barre?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years from the time the accident occurred. That means while you are recovering from your injuries, the clock is already in motion on your case. So the sooner you can speak with a Wilkes-Barre injury attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, the more likely your case will be successful.

The Product Was Destroyed. Will This Hurt My Claim?

Not necessarily. Although it’s better to have the product, it is understandable that this is not always possible. It’s always best to get photos and seek medical attention soon after the accident to help support your claim.

Who Is Responsible for the Product Defect in Wilkes-Barre?

This depends on what type of defective product claim you have. For example, if the product had a design flaw that made it dangerous, the designer of the product may be held liable. If it was an issue in the manufacturing process, then the manufacturer could be responsible. In some cases, there may be multiple parties at fault, such as the marketer or retailer.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Wilkes-Barre Product Liability Lawsuit?

As with all personal injury cases, you may be eligible to receive the following compensation:

• Economic damages: Economic damages refer to compensation for any monetary loss you had because of the faulty product. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and loss of potential earning capacity.
• Non-economic damages: These damages are a little more difficult to calculate. They refer to any non-monetary losses you may have experienced, like loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the behavior of those responsible for the defect.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wilkes-Barre Product Liability Attorney?

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t get paid unless you do. We cover all of the upfront costs and only collect a fee if we win your case. If we cannot get you the justice you deserve, you owe us nothing. Chat live, fill out our contact form, or call today for a free consult.

Contact Our Wilkes-Barre Defective Products Attorney

Product liability victims and their families in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and throughout the state trust Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys to help them get the justice they deserve. Product manufacturers not only have an obligation to design and produce safe products but also to alert consumers of any potential dangers. We help injured victims stand up to big companies.

During a free initial consultation with an experienced Wilkes-Barre product liability lawyer, we will review the circumstances of your injury and determine whether you have a basis for a product liability lawsuit. A product liability case can arise from the use of any product. Those responsible for your injuries could include the product designer, the manufacturer of the product, parts manufacturers, the retailer who sold the product, the wholesalers, or the assemblers or installers.

Do Not Accept an Offer Before Talking to a Wilkes-Barre Product Liability Lawyer

Many insurance companies will try to settle quickly and for as low an amount as they can. At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, it is our top priority to provide the best representation and get you the compensation you deserve for all of your injuries. We can provide peace of mind in knowing you are getting the most qualified representation for your liability claim from a firm that cares. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has a proven record of success in cases involving defective products and other injuries.

If you were injured by a defective product anywhere in the Wyoming Valley, contact a Wilkes-Barre personal injury lawyer at Munley Law to schedule a free consultation. We are available 24/7 through our chat, email, or phone so reach out today.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406