Allegheny County Product Liability Lawyers
Pittsburgh attorneys protect the rights of injured consumers
Products sold in the consumer market are supposed to be safe for their intended use. All too often, however, people are injured by products that were designed or manufactured defectively or that were sold without adequate warnings or instructions. If you have been injured by a product, you may be able bring a legal claim against the manufacturer and anyone else in the chain of distribution. The attorneys at Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh has the skill, experience and resources to hold all responsible parties accountable for your losses.
The law of product liability
In Pennsylvania, as in other states, product liability claims typically fall into three categories:
- Design defects — When the product is inherently unsafe due to a flawed design, even if manufactured correctly
- Manufacturing defects — When the product becomes dangerous due to an error during the production process
- Marketing deficiencies — When consumers are not adequately warned about potential risks or are not given proper instructions for safe use
Pennsylvania recognizes strict liability in product injury cases. This means that if the product caused injury during normal or expected use, the responsible parties can be held liable without the need for the victim to prove negligence on their part.
What are the most common causes of product liability injuries?
When a manufacturer exercises poor quality control at any stage in its processes, defects can be introduced into products. Companies might fail to vet suppliers whose materials or manufacturing processes fail to meet industry standards. These problems can be exacerbated by inadequate testing to screen out defects. A manufacturer’s efforts to cut costs can also create potentially dangerous conditions.
The most common ways that a dangerous product can inflict harm on a consumer include:
- Design or engineering flaws
- Contamination of food or pharmaceutical products
- Defective parts in automobiles or machinery
- Lack of safety features
- Failure to warn effectively of inherent dangers
Dangerous defects can occur in everything from children’s toys and household appliances to industrial equipment and medical devices.
Common injuries from defective products
Product-related injuries range from mild to life-threatening. Some of the most common include:
- Burns from faulty electronics or appliances
- Lacerations or amputations from defective tools or machinery
- Back and spinal injuries or traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to vehicle crashes
- Choking or poisoning from children’s toys or mislabeled food items
- Internal injuries or illness from defective drugs or medical devices
Because these injuries often result from products people trust to be safe, the physical and emotional toll can be considerable.
Available damages for product injuries
If you've been injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to multiple types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses — For current and future treatment
- Lost wages — Including diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering — For physical and emotional distress
- Punitive damages — in cases of extreme negligence or misconduct
- Wrongful death damages — If a defective product results in a fatality
A skilled product liability attorney at our firm can investigate the facts of your case, gather evidence, consult with experts and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact a skilled Pittsburgh product liability lawyer for a free consultation
Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC pursues compensation for consumers injured by defective products in in Allegheny County and throughout Western Pennsylvania. Please call 1.800.GET.PHIL or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
