According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) defective products of various types and manufacturers cause over 29.5 million injuries and almost 22,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. Because manufacturers have a responsibility to protect consumers from defective products through warnings and product recalls, they are liable when defective products cause injury or death and no such warning has been publicly issued.

Defective product liability laws were created to protect consumers from injury or death which may be caused by defective products. An experienced defective products liability attorney can assist victims of defective products to recover damages and losses suffered.

Prior to strict defective product liability laws, manufacturers making defective products did not have the responsibility of admitting the product defect or replacing the products and providing compensation to victims injured by the defective products.

Today, manufacturers have this legal duty to the consumer. However, there is also a statute of limitations (limited time frame) for defective products liability lawsuits, so it is best to contact an attorney experienced in defective product liability law as soon as possible.

Whether it is a child’s toy, a brake pad, a breast implant, a joint replacement, a tobacco product or a hair dryer—any manufactured product can be defective. However, not all accidents related to manufactured products are grounds for a defective product liability personal injury lawsuit.

For instance, if you are not using a knife properly or simply slip and cut yourself, you cannot claim a defective product liability lawsuit. However, if you cut yourself because the knife broke you would then be eligible to claim a defective product liability lawsuit.

There are three main agencies that monitor manufactured products for defects, and if any product is found to have an unreasonable level of danger in its use, the appropriate agency will work with the manufacturer to facilitate either a mandatory or voluntary recall. The three agencies and their jurisdictions are:

If you have feel that a defective product may have caused an injury, you should contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in defective product liability lawsuits. This attorney can help you determine the facts and validity of your defective products liability case, interpret the laws relevant, and receive the compensation you deserve.

If you, or a loved one, has been involved in any type of accident as the result of a defective product in Kansas or Missouri, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation and case evaluation.