BIRMINGHAM PRODUCT LIABILITY ATTORNEYS

Defective Product Claims in Jefferson County

Every day, consumers rely on a variety of products to make their lives easier, safer, and more convenient. When these products fail to work as they should, however, the results can be disastrous.

If you were injured or if someone you love died due to a defective product, you could be entitled to financial compensation. At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, our Birmingham product liability lawyers have more than 30 years of experience handling complex claims against manufacturers, corporations, and other entities that allow harmful and dangerous products into the hands of innocent consumers. We have secured more than $1 billion for our clients, including many million- and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts.

What Makes a Product Defective?

To be considered “defective,” a product must contain some flaw that makes it unreasonably unsafe for normal, intended use. In other words, a dangerous product is not necessarily defective, but a defective product is nearly always dangerous.

For example, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) poses certain inherent risks to the user. If the user is negligent, inexperienced, or careless, they could be involved in a serious accident that may result in bodily injury or death. However, this does not mean the ATV is defective. However, if the ATV has a design flaw that causes it to tip over very easily, leading to serious injury or death even when the user is not being negligent or reckless, the ATV is likely considered defective.

What Are the Three Types of Product Defects?

There are three main types of product defects:

• Design Defects: The product is inherently flawed due to a poor design that renders it unreasonably unsafe for normal, intended use
• Manufacturing Defects: A flaw introduced during the manufacturing stage (such as contamination or missing parts) renders the product unreasonably unsafe
• Labeling Defects: The product is missing safety warnings, instructions, or other labels providing information on the safe, intended use of the product or potential side effects

To have a product liability case, you will need to prove that the product in question contained at least one of these types of defects. If you are found to have modified the product or used it in any way other than intended, your claim will likely be dismissed. Additionally, under Alabama’s contributory negligence rule, if you are found to have been even slightly negligent or in any way at fault for the incident that led to your injury, you cannot file a personal injury claim or recover damages.

Examples of Commonly Defective Products

Any product can contain a defect or flaw that puts the user at risk. However, some industrial and consumer products tend to be defective more often than others. These products are frequently the subject of individual product liability claims, as well as mass torts and class actions.

Some examples of commonly defective products include:

• Automobiles and auto parts
• Batteries
• Car seats
• Children’s toys and other products
• Electronics, including e-cigarettes
• Foods and beverages
• Gas-powered appliances
• Guns and ammunition
• Herbicides, pesticides, and other agricultural products
• Household cleaners
• Industrial equipment and machinery
• Medications and medical devices
• Playground equipment
• Power tools
• Recreational vehicles, such as boats and ATVs

At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, we assist individuals who have been injured by or lost loved ones due to all types of defective products. Our Birmingham product liability lawyers have the experience, resources, and skills to effectively pursue litigation and represent you at trial if necessary. Our aggressive approach has helped us recover numerous favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients; learn how we can help you with your case today.

Holding Manufacturers & Distributors Accountable

Product manufacturers, distributors, designers, and others involved in the chain of production have a responsibility to the public. They must conduct rigorous tests to ensure the safety of their products before they hit the consumer market. While product recalls can help keep consumers safe, they do not excuse negligence.

Our attorneys at Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law are committed to holding product manufacturers and others accountable when they prioritize profits over public safety. If you or someone you love has been affected by an unsafe or faulty product, get in touch with our team to learn more about your legal rights and options. We offer personalized and attentive legal services tailored to each individual’s unique situation. As a client, you will be directly connected with a partner attorney at our firm—your case will never be passed off to a less-experienced associate or paralegal.