Each year, thousands of individuals in the United States suffer injuries from defective and dangerous products. Maine product liability laws provide these users and their families a way to recover for the injuries they suffered because of the defective product. Product liability lawsuits typically stem from:
- Manufacturing Defects
- Design Defects
- Inadequate Warning and Marketing Defects
Manufacturing defects usually arise when the product becomes flawed after the design of the product, but before it is introduced into the consumer stream. Design defect claims rely on the premise that the product’s design is inherently dangerous. Unlike a manufacturing defect lawsuit, these claims allege that the entire line of products is dangerous. Finally, inadequate warning claims generally involve a product that is dangerous in a way that may not be evident to the users. These claims typically stem from instances where the user suffered injuries because the manufacturer failed to provide the user with proper warnings or instructions on how to use the product safely.
Some of the most common claims arise from defective:
- Medical Devices
- Food and Medicine
- Automotive Parts
- Infant Products
- Children’s Toys
- Electronics
For example, Epson, a popular printer and scanner company, recently issued a recall of an AC power adapter that was included with their Epson Perfect Scanner. The company alerted consumers of the recall after becoming aware that the adapter was prone to melting and catching fire. Although there have yet to be reports of physical injuries, the company stated that there had been about 15 incidents of property damage because of the defective adapter. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is directing consumers to cease using the recalled adapters immediately and to contact the company for potential remedies.
Identifying liability and apportioning fault in Maine product liability cases can be challenging because there may be several people that were responsible for the victim’s injuries. Generally, product liability plaintiffs should include all parties who were involved in the chain of distribution of the defective product. The chain of distribution is the course a product takes from design to distribution. This includes manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and other “middlemen” that may be involved in distribution. Issues also arise when the defendant is a foreign corporation. Although foreign corporations can still be named as defendants, these cases require a thorough understanding of state and federal tort laws. Injury victims should seek legal representation to effectively prepare and present their case
Have You Suffered Injuries Because of a Defective or Dangerous Product?
The attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates maintain a thriving and successful practice dedicated to helping Maine injury victims in their claims for damages. Over the past 12 years, our attorneys have been voted “Best Personal Injury Lawyer” by the Market Surveys of America. We handle a variety of cases, including lawsuits that stem from defective products, medical malpractice, car and truck accidents, and wrongful death. Our Maine product liability attorneys have recovered significant amounts of compensation on behalf of our clients and continue to represent clients through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic diligently. Contact our office at 1-800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with a Maine injury attorney at our firm.