Defective product accidents fall under product liability laws, where manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers fail to provide safe products. When you trust a product that causes you harm, the consequences can be life-changing.
As an injured victim, you may endure pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and financial losses. Michigan personal injury laws allow injured victims to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Even so, you may face resistance from their insurance provider, which may downplay your losses or reject your claim. You should, therefore, work with a legal professional who’ll protect your rights as an injured victim.
Our Michigan defective product lawyers from Michigan Injury Lawyers understand the impact of physical injuries and are ready to protect your legal rights. We will investigate the incident, gather evidence, and pursue a compensation claim against the at-fault party.
Why Choose Us
You need more than legal advice when you sustain an injury from a defective product. You deserve a team of legal professionals with a deep knowledge of product liability laws. Should I Get a Lawyer to help you protect your rights, build a strong case, and pursue fair compensation from negligent manufacturers and insurers.
Here’s why you should choose us:
- Tried and Tested: Our defective product attorneys have been representing injured victims since 2008, which gives us the confidence to take on your case. Further, we have obtained millions in settlement values, allowing injured victims to recover from their losses.
- Location: Our headquarters are located at 2525 S Telegraph Rd, Suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI and we have several other offices in Michigan to choose from.
You can count on our defective product lawyers because we take the time to understand your incident, fight aggressively for your rights, and challenge powerful manufacturers and insurers.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
There is no average value you can expect in a defective product case. The outcome of your case depends on the facts and circumstances of the case. While no cases are alike, our Michigan defective product attorneys can ease your situation by explaining your potential compensation and damages applicable to your case.
Here are the factors that influence the value of your case:
Severity of the Injury
The extent of your injury has a role in determining the value of your case. Severe injuries that result in permanent disability or long-term health complications typically lead to higher compensation amounts.
For instance, a defective product causing severe burns or brain injuries may result in a higher settlement compared to minor cuts or bruises. A higher settlement value caters to medical expenses, losses associated with the inability to work, and the impact on your quality of life.
Duration of Recovery Period
The time it takes to recover from your injuries also determines the value of a defective product case. Extended recovery periods that require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or therapies often lead to increased damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings.
A lengthier recovery period usually indicates a more substantial impact on your life and can result in higher compensation.
Shared Fault
In some cases, the injured party may share some fault for the accident or injury. Michigan State applies the shared fault principle, reducing compensation if investigators find you partially responsible for the incident.
Suppose a person is injured when a power tool malfunctions due to a manufacturer's defect. However, they were using the tool improperly by removing a safety guard meant to prevent injury. In that case, the manufacturer may be liable for the manufacturing defect, while the injured victim’s action can reduce their compensation under shared fault rules.
Our defective product lawyers can use evidence to protect you from being unfairly blamed for the accident.
Availability of Evidence
Although you may be entitled to compensation for your injury-related losses, you must demonstrate the negligent actions of the at-fault party. Therefore, the strength of the evidence supporting your defective product claim can greatly impact its value.
The following sources of evidence can strengthen your defective product claim:
- The defective product
- Medical records
- Product packaging and instructions
- Professional testimonies from engineers, product designers, and medical professionals
- Eyewitness statements from people who saw you use the product
- Purchase receipts or proof of ownership
- Complaint reports or product recall notices
On the other hand, a lack of substantial evidence may weaken your claim and diminish the potential value of your case.
Insurance Coverage of the At-Fault Party
In most cases, the at-fault party's insurance coverage is the source of compensation for a defective product claim. Therefore, the insurance coverage held by the at-fault party or parties involved in the defective product incident can also impact the outcome.
Insurance policies limit the amount they will pay for damages, affecting your settlement value. Similarly, an at-fault party with low insurance coverage can restrict the value you can obtain in a defective product claim. Our defective product attorney can explore other sources of compensation, including filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Where Do Accidents Occur in Bloomfield Hills
When it comes to defective product accidents in Bloomfield Hills, specific zones tend to pose higher risks for consumers. Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer to help you understand your rights and assess whether you have a valid claim based on where and how the incident occurred.
Here are four specific zones where defective product accidents occur in Bloomfield Hills:
- Retail Stores: Retail stores are among the most common places where defective product accidents happen. With shelves full of various products, it's easy for faulty or poorly manufactured items to slip through the cracks. Whether a defective electronic device or a malfunctioning kitchen appliance, retail stores are a source of defective product accidents.
- Online Marketplaces: Online shopping has become increasingly popular. However, the added convenience also comes with its own set of risks. Defective products purchased online can lead to injuries or damages, especially when the sellers do not thoroughly vet them.
- Automobile Repair Shops: Defective parts in automobiles can cause devastating accidents, leading to injuries and fatalities. Automobile repair shops that use faulty or counterfeit components during maintenance or repairs can put drivers and passengers at serious risk.
- Childcare Facilities: Parents rely on childcare facilities like nursery schools to provide a safe environment for their children. However, defective toys, cribs, or other childcare products can pose a significant threat to the well-being of young ones.
Michigan Defective Product Attorneys
Although many injured victims obtain compensation from the insurer of the at-fault party, some cope without financial support. Working with our Michigan defective product lawyers can enhance the chances of a positive outcome in your claim. We understand the tactics manufacturers and insurers use to avoid responsibility, and we know how to fight back.
Our experienced defective product lawyers can represent you if you suffered an injury in any of the following accidents:
- Faulty Electronics: Defective electronics such as smartphones, laptops, or household appliances can lead to fires, electric shocks, or explosions, causing serious injuries.
- Hazardous Children's Toys: Toys with small parts that pose a choking hazard or toxic materials that can harm children are examples of defective products that can lead to accidents.
- Unsafe Vehicles: Malfunctioning brakes, faulty airbags, or defective tires in vehicles can result in severe car accidents and injuries to drivers and passengers.
- Dangerous Pharmaceuticals: Defective medications with undisclosed side effects or contaminated substances can cause adverse reactions and harm to patients.
- Tainted Food Products: Contaminated food items due to improper handling or packaging can lead to foodborne illnesses and adverse health effects for consumers.
- Flawed Medical Devices: Defective medical devices such as pacemakers, implants, or prosthetics can result in serious complications and harm patients.
- Toxic Chemicals: Products containing harmful chemicals or substances can cause poisoning, respiratory issues, or skin reactions, leading to health complications.
Our defective product lawyers can also protect you if you sustain any of the following injuries:
- Burn injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Chest injuries
- Choking
Fighting the Insurance Company
One of the major hurdles in a legal battle due to injuries caused by a defective product is dealing with the insurance company. These companies often have seasoned professionals on their side, ready to protect their bottom line.
Here are three strategies our defective product attorneys apply when facing insurers:
Aggressive Negotiation: Our defective product attorneys are skilled in negotiation. They will fight tirelessly when pursuing compensation for your losses. Accept a Settlement Offer only after our Michigan defective product lawyers have reviewed it and confirmed it fully accounts for your injury-related losses.
- Thorough Investigation: To strengthen your case against the insurance company, our defective product attorneys will thoroughly investigate the product defect and the resulting injuries. By gathering evidence, consulting with professionals, and analyzing the details of your case, our legal team can build a strong argument that compels the insurance company to pay you for the losses.
- Litigation Strategy: In some cases, litigation may be necessary to achieve the best outcome for your case. Our defective product attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if you can’t agree on a settlement with an insurer. With a strategic approach to litigation, our defective product lawyer will present a compelling case to a judge and jury, seeking a favorable verdict that provides you with the compensation you deserve.
Facing the insurance company alone can be daunting, but with the support of our seasoned defective product attorneys, you can confidently face an insurer.
What to Do After a Defective Product Accident
Although the injuries from a defective product can be overwhelming, your actions can enhance your wellness and protect your legal rights.
Here’s what you can do after a defective product accident:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You should seek immediate medical attention after a defective product accident. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may not manifest symptoms until later. By promptly seeing a healthcare provider, you can ensure that any underlying injuries are identified and treated promptly. A healthcare provider will also document your injuries and treatment plan, allowing you to prove the extent of your injuries in a legal claim.
Delaying medical treatment can jeopardize your health and weaken your legal case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may argue that your injuries were not severe or caused by the defective product if you wait too long to seek medical attention. By promptly visiting a doctor, you establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries, strengthening your compensation case.
Document the Incident
You must document the accident scene to file a compensation claim. The documentation involves gathering all evidence of the incident, including photos of the product, your injuries, and the accident scene. Additionally, save any communication with the manufacturer or retailer, such as emails or receipts, as they can provide valuable insight into the product's history and defects.
Contact Our Product Liability Attorney
You should also contact our product liability attorneys after sustaining an injury because of a defective product. They will evaluate the circumstances of the incident and determine if you have a case against the at-fault party. Most importantly, they will work hard to initiate a settlement claim that adheres to legal timelines. For instance, the Michigan statute of limitations for defective products is three years from the date of injury.
Our defective product attorneys will file a timely claim within the three-year timeline so you don’t lose your right to compensation.
How Our Michigan Product Liability Attorneys Can Help
If you sustain an injury because of a defective product, you may be facing mounting medical bills, long-term pain, or permanent disability. Although you may be entitled to compensation, you may feel overwhelmed, unsure of the responsible party, or unaware of how to take legal action.
Our Michigan defective product lawyers at Michigan Injury Lawyers are here to guide you through the claim process. We can investigate the defect, identify the liable parties, and negotiate aggressively with manufacturers or insurers.
You can count on us to handle the legal aspects of the claim as you focus on recovery, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way. Contact us online or at (313) 438-4357 for a free case evaluation.