Whether it’s Monsanto telling consumers that Round-Up is “safer than table salt” or Dow Corning’s leaky silicone breast implants, defective products are a constant assault on Chicago consumers. Did you know Johnson & Johnson used to put asbestos in their talcum powder? If consumers never stood up to fight for their rights, Phillip Morris would still be using cartoons to sell cigarettes to kids. As Chicago product liability attorneys, we help Windy City residents who have been injured by defective products.
You have rights! We want to let the victims of product-related accidents and injuries know that they have every right under the law to receive financial compensation for their loss. Consumers must fight back…and we will help you get the maximum settlement possible. Filing a lawsuit is truly your duty so that our products are forced to be made safer and safer.
Some products carry inherent dangers. For example, you probably would not be able to sue a knife manufacturer because you accidentally cut yourself with one of their knives. Knives are a weapon, and they are supposed to be sharp and dangerous. The key question to ask is whether you were using the product in a way that the manufacturer meant for the product to be used.
If you were using, for instance, scissors like a screwdriver, and they slipped out of your hand and cut you, then you would not have a product liability claim. This is because the manufacturer did not intend for you to use the scissors like a screwdriver. On the other hand, if you are cutting fabric with the scissors, and they come apart because of a defect, which caused you injury, then you have a product liability claim. Basically, a product liability claim will come down to these four elements:
If you have been injured by a consumer product, it’s important that you seek the advice of a skilled product liability lawyer to help you determine your rights. Our Chicago product liability attorneys have the experience to understand what does and does not constitute a product liability claim.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that, in one year, there were 35,900 faulty product-related deaths and 38,573,000 faulty product-related injuries. They also report that even as years have passed, household consumer goods continue to be the cause of over 33 million injuries annually. The National Safety Council reported that one in 15 Americans got an injury that required medical attention due to a product in their home.
What is a faulty product? Consumer goods with design, manufacturing, or instructional/warning defects that create a hazard, such as:
Of these, the top causes of in-home accidents that lead to serious injury and death are: suffocating (especially for children), falling, drowning, burning, and being poisoned.
Now that you understand the importance of having safe household products, let’s discuss some of the household items most likely to cause injury to you or your loved ones. If these are items you can avoid having in your home, definitely do so.
We touched on this a bit with the extension cords and furniture polish, but a fire in your home risks more than just injuring you and your family—it can do that and destroy your house. You’ll want to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors after looking at these numbers:
If your car has a part that gets recalled, which is not uncommon, it’s easy for the manufacturer to track you down through the VIN and DMV records. However, if your curling iron has been recalled, the chances of you hearing about it are slim. Some of the most commonly recalled household goods are:
Because of this, be sure to check in at least once a year (if not more) on what household items have been recalled. To do that, visit CPSC.gov/Recalls or visit the FDA’s recall page.
In Illinois, an injured person can sue anyone in the product’s chain of distribution. This can include:
Product liability lawsuits can be quite complex. The product liability attorneys at Malman Law have the experience, skills, and resources to navigate the complexities of these types of lawsuits.
Someone Told Me my Claim was Frivolous, But I’m Really Hurt. What Should I Do?
Product liability claims are no laughing matter. Every day, people are seriously injured—and sometimes killed—by products that they use on a daily basis. It is critical to understand your rights under the law. You may be compensated for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and more. Our dedicated products liability lawyers at Malman Law enlist top field experts to assess the extent of your case, and we have a proven track record of success in evaluating complex product liability claims.
While some people may scoff at products liability lawsuits, the fact of the matter is that the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of consumer products have a responsibility to make sure that the products that they sell are safe for people to use. If a person is injured or killed by using an unsafe product, the one who made that product available to him or her must be held responsible. Holding those companies and individuals responsible for their products makes the world a safer place.
Who Can I Trust to Help Get Me the Recovery I Deserve?
Our goal at Malman Law is to provide competent, thorough representation to people injured by defective or unsafe products to obtain the maximum recovery possible. Our product liability attorneys will skillfully navigate the complexities of your particular case and guide you through the process.
Fighting For Defective Product Victims
We are a local Chicago firm that believes that those who introduce dangerous products to the public must be held accountable for their actions. If a defective product has injured you, you owe it to yourself to find a competent and dedicated lawyer to represent your interests. Thousands of others have trusted us with their product liability cases. Let’s talk about how we can earn your trust. Call or email us to schedule a free consultation, or visit our conveniently located offices in the Chicago Loop.