Product Liability Cases in South Jordan

Defective products can cause major injuries leaving victims facing medical expenses, lost wages, and lasting physical and emotional distress. If you’ve been injured by a faulty product, you have the right to seek justice. Contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks today at (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand how frightening it can be when a product you trust suddenly causes an injury. You might feel betrayed, frustrated, and unsure of what to do. 

Unfortunately, defective products can appear in many areas of daily life, from faulty car parts that cause accidents to malfunctioning household appliances that spark fires. If you or someone close to you has been harmed by a defective product in South Jordan, Utah, you may have a right to seek compensation.

Product liability law is designed to protect consumers by holding manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible for unsafe products. In this article, we will explain the basics of product liability law in Utah, common defective products that cause injuries, the steps involved in filing a claim, and how our firm helps victims right here in South Jordan. 

Understanding Product Liability Law in Utah

When a product injures you due to a design flaw, manufacturing error, or inadequate warning, it can open the door to a product liability claim. In Utah, these laws focus on ensuring that companies stand behind the safety of their products. Below is a brief overview of what you need to know.

Strict Liability

Utah often uses the concept of strict liability in product liability cases. This means that you do not have to prove the manufacturer or seller was negligent. Instead, you only need to show that the product was defective and that this defect caused your injury. This legal approach simplifies many aspects of a claim, making it easier for injured consumers to seek compensation.

Types of Product Defects

Product liability claims generally arise from three main types of defects:

1. Design Defects: Flaws in the product’s overall design that make it unsafe.
2. Manufacturing Defects: Errors during production or assembly that make an otherwise safe design dangerous.
3. Marketing Defects: Inadequate warnings or instructions that fail to alert consumers to potential risks.

Statute of Limitations

Like other personal injury cases, product liability claims in Utah have a time limit. Typically, you must file your product liability claim within two years of the date of injury or when you reasonably discovered the injury. Missing this deadline can cost you the chance to seek compensation.

Common Defective Products Leading to Injuries

Defective products can show up in nearly any part of life, from the food we eat to the cars we drive. Let’s explore some common examples. 

Automotive Parts

Car accidents can be especially devastating if a critical part of your vehicle fails at a crucial moment. Common issues include:

• Faulty brakes
• Defective airbags
• Tire blowouts
• Steering system failures

If a car part breaks down unexpectedly, leading to an accident, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer or seller.

Medical Devices

Medical devices are meant to improve your health or manage a condition. Unfortunately, defects can cause serious complications. Some examples include:

• Hip or knee implants that loosen or break prematurely
• Defective pacemakers or heart stents
• Faulty insulin pumps or infusion devices

When a defective medical device causes complications, additional surgeries or treatments may be needed, and you could be left with lasting injuries.

Household Appliances

Your home should be a place of safety, but defective appliances can lead to fires, electric shocks, or other hazards. Product liability incidents can occur due to:

• Microwaves with faulty wiring
• Stoves or ovens prone to gas leaks
• Washing machines that leak or short-circuit

In these cases, the product’s manufacturer or distributor may be held liable for any damage or injuries that result from the defect.

Children’s Toys and Products

Children are vulnerable, so it is especially concerning when a product meant for them contains a flaw. Examples include:

• Toys with small parts that can choke a child
• Cribs or playpens with a dangerous design
• Car seats that fail to protect a child during an impact

If you suspect that a product caused you or a loved one harm, document everything, keep the product if it is safe to do so, and get in touch with a South Jordan product liability lawyer. We can help figure out if a defect exists, and whether you can pursue compensation for injuries and damages.

Legal Process for Filing a Product Liability Claim

Filing a product liability claim can be challenging. The good news is that we are here to help guide you through each step. Let’s take a look at how filing a product liability claim in Utah works.

1. Initial Investigation

The process begins with a thorough look at the facts. We review your medical records, inspect the defective product, and determine how the defect caused your injury. This often involves consulting with engineers, medical experts, or other specialists who can confirm the nature of the defect.

2. Gathering Evidence

Evidence plays a key role in any legal claim. Important pieces of evidence can include:

• Photos of the product and the scene of the injury
• Witness statements
• Medical reports detailing your injury
• Professional testimony regarding the defect

Keeping the product (in a safe manner) is crucial. If possible, do not send it back to the manufacturer or throw it away, as it may be the most important piece of evidence.

3. Filing the Lawsuit

Once we have a solid foundation of evidence, we file a lawsuit on your behalf against the responsible parties. This could include the manufacturer, distributor, or retail store that sold the defective product.

4. Discovery Phase

During discovery, both sides exchange information and gather more evidence. We may request company records about the product’s design or manufacturing process. The defense might review your medical history to assess your injuries. This phase can take several months or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

5. Negotiations and Settlement

Many product liability claims settle before they reach trial. Our goal is to negotiate a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. If the other side refuses to offer a fair amount, we are ready to take the case to court.

6. Trial

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case goes to trial. We present your case before a judge or jury, who will decide the outcome. While trials can be lengthy, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and present compelling evidence before a judge or jury.

How Our Firm Assists Product Liability Victims in South Jordan

Facing an injury from a defective product can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we are committed to guiding South Jordan residents through the process of filing a product liability claim and getting the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

Personalized Consultation

We start by meeting with you for a personal consultation. During this conversation, we want to hear your story, how the product failed, what injuries you sustained, and how this experience has changed your life. This helps us assess whether you have a valid claim under Utah law.

Comprehensive Investigation

Our next step is a comprehensive investigation. We gather all available evidence, from the product itself to accident scene photos or witness accounts. 

We might consult with mechanical engineers, safety specialists, or other experts who can identify a design or manufacturing defect. By doing so, we build a robust foundation that supports your case.

Identifying Responsible Parties

Sometimes it is not just the manufacturer who might be held liable. Distributors, retailers, and others in the supply chain could also share responsibility. 

We work diligently to figure out every party that played a role in getting the defective product into your hands. The more accurately we can pinpoint responsibility, the better we can pursue fair compensation on your behalf.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Product liability claims often involve one or more insurance providers. These companies may offer quick settlements that do not fully cover your losses. 

Our firm handles all communication with insurance adjusters, so you do not have to worry about saying the wrong thing or settling for too little. We push back when insurers try to minimize your claim and strive to negotiate a settlement that truly reflects your current and future needs.

Negotiating Settlements

Many product liability cases can be resolved outside of court through settlement negotiations. We always keep your best interests at the forefront, seeking compensation that covers:

• Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Future medical care or therapy

We will discuss any settlement offers with you, explaining the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. If the settlement is not fair, we are prepared to proceed to trial.

Defective products can cause life-changing injuries. Our firm has won major cases, including million dollar settlements, proving we have the skill to take on tough cases. We fight for victims harmed by dangerous products and hold manufacturers responsible.

Trial Preparation and Representation

Should negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, we are ready to take your case to trial. We methodically prepare evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony. During the trial, we present a clear argument that demonstrates how the defective product caused your injuries and why the responsible parties should be held accountable.

Transparent Communication

We know that legal proceedings can be stressful, especially if you are recovering from a serious injury. Our team prioritizes open and honest communication. We keep you informed about the status of your case and are available to answer your questions or address any concerns.

Local Insight and Experience

Because our firm is based in Utah, we have a deep understanding of local laws and procedures. Our experience with South Jordan courts, judges, and community resources allows us to serve you more effectively. We also know how vital it is to protect consumers in our own neighborhood.

Throughout each phase of your product liability claim, we work tirelessly to ensure your rights are respected. We understand the difficulties you face after an injury and the trust you place in our hands. 

Whether through negotiation or at trial, we stand by your side, aiming for the compensation you deserve. If a defective product harmed you, let us offer the skilled legal support you need during this challenging time.

Frequently Asked Questions on Product Liability Cases in South Jordan