Most people have used a defective product any number of times. Smokers are consuming a product with a warning on the package. Large department stores may have a posted listing of recalled products, ranging from dangerous toys to unsafe food. In essence, product liability cases make the world a little safer for all consumers.
Automobiles have a long history of recalls. These recalls seldom, if ever, happen because the manufacturer learned of the defect and immediately issued a recall notice. Recalls cost millions of dollars and a bucket-load of bad publicity. Some of the more highly publicized cases involved SUVs and motorcycles that were unstable and tires sold with new vehicles that were prone to blowouts.
Two Types of Motor Vehicle Product Liability Cases
Defective Parts
These cases generally arise because of a manufacturing error at the factory when the vehicle was made. However, a problem could be caused during shipping or at the dealer.
Design Flaws
A design error means that the part was manufactured as specified, but was not designed properly, causing a dangerous condition. Vehicles or parts with design flaws could conceivably be sold for quite a while before the dangerous flaw is discovered.
There Can Be Many Defendants
When a case involves a motor vehicle, there is a lengthy “chain of distribution,” or everyone who was involved with the vehicle from the factory floor to the consumer. Possible defendants could include the vehicle manufacturer, parts manufacturer(s), car dealerships, auto parts supply stores, middlemen, shippers and used car dealers.
It’s Not Necessary to Own the Defective Vehicle
Someone who was injured by another who was driving a defective vehicle would have a valid claim, as would someone who borrowed a defective vehicle. In the first example, someone who was injured by a defective vehicle driven by someone else could have both a personal injury case and a product liability case, depending on the circumstances. It would be necessary to discuss the specifics with a Product Liability Attorney in Beaver Dam WI.
QBS Law S.C. has handled a great many cases in the firm’s 102 years, including product liability cases. They are proud of holding themselves to the highest ethical standards. Anyone who believes that they have been injured by a defective vehicle or other product, should immediately consult an experienced Product Liability Attorney in Beaver Dam WI. Visit the website to learn more and contact them for an appointment.
