We use a variety of products every day, both at home and at work. From appliances to cleaning supplies, we expect these goods to not only serve their purpose but do so safely. Unfortunately, some of these items are inherently dangerous and can lead to life-altering injuries.
If you have been hurt by a dangerous product, our skilled injury attorneys are here to help. Our team understands how to investigate these accidents and determine if you have a case for compensation against the manufacturer. Put your trust in the hands of an Owatonna product liability lawyer at Maschka Personal Injury.
An attorney can help you pursue different types of product liability claims in Owatonna. In most cases, defects fall into one of three categories.
A manufacturing defect occurs when something goes wrong during the production process. The product’s design may be safe, but an error in assembly or materials makes a specific item dangerous. Examples include contaminated food, faulty wiring, or a cracked component that fails during normal use.
A design defect exists before the product is ever made. The issue is built into the blueprint itself, which means every unit carries the same risk of being unreasonably dangerous. These cases often involve products that could have been made safer with a reasonable alternative design, or those that did not go through enough testing.
Even when a product is properly designed and manufactured, it can still be dangerous if adequate warnings are not provided. Manufacturers must inform you of known risks and provide clear instructions for safe use. Without these warnings, it is impossible for you to use the product as intended.
Defective product claims arise across many industries. When companies rush products to market or cut corners on safety, the risk to consumers increases. You may not realize a product is dangerous until it causes harm during normal use. Some of the most common examples include the following:
These products often reach a wide number of consumers, which means a single defect can lead to multiple injuries. In some cases, recalls are issued after injuries have already occurred.
An Owatonna defective products attorney can investigate what went wrong, identify who is responsible, and pursue compensation for your injuries.
A successful product liability claim can result in financial compensation, either through a settlement or a trial verdict. Most successful cases resolve through settlement before reaching trial. In fact, only a handful of these cases ever make it in front of a jury at all.
In a settlement, the manufacturer, distributor, or insurer agrees to pay compensation in exchange for you agreeing to drop your case forever. It can take months or even years to work out an agreement, and some cases will never settle.
If the case does go to trial, a judge or jury will decide whether the product was defective and what compensation is appropriate. Trial verdicts can sometimes result in higher awards, especially in cases involving serious injuries or clear misconduct.
With the right attorney at your side, you could recover compensation through either avenue. Our lawyers will continue to work towards a settlement in your Owatonna product liability case while also preparing for the possibility of a trial.
You do not have to deal with an injury caused by a defective product on your own. If you are looking to hold the manufacturer accountable for your injuries, an Owatonna product liability lawyer on our team can help. Our attorneys are based in Mankato, but we proudly serve the surrounding area as well. Reach out to us today to learn more.
