In today’s society, we depend on developers, manufacturers and distributors to deliver safe, reliable products. Unfortunately, defective items sometimes make it onto Indiana store shelves and website shops. These dangerous products can cause illnesses, injuries or even fatalities.
What can you do if a defective product harms you? A Greenwood product liability attorney from Sevenish Law Firm explains.
How Can a Greenwood Product Liability Attorney Help?
If you or a family member suffered harm due to a defective product, you may have associated costs, such as medical bills, lost wages or property damage. You deserve compensation for these and other damages, but that doesn’t mean you can easily obtain it without legal representation.
When you hire Sevenish Law Firm as your defective product attorney, we will:
- Investigate your claim, gathering evidence to hold all liable parties accountable
- Provide you with advice and legal options
- Speak to insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate a favorable settlement offer or take your case to trial if necessary
- Handle all case-related administrative tasks
At Sevenish Law Firm, we are fierce protectors of the injured. We will roll up our sleeves to protect your interests and achieve maximum results.
What Is Indiana’s Product Liability Law?
The Indiana Product Liability Act provides legal options for consumers harmed by defective products or materials. Indiana’s definition of a defective product is one:
- Reasonable people wouldn’t think is hazardous
- Can cause unreasonable danger to users if utilized according to instructions
- Without adequate package or label warnings
- Lacking adequate usage instructions
Consumers expect safe products, but design defects, manufacturing flaws or inadequate information can be hazardous. If you suffer harm due to products that meet the state’s definition of defective, consult an experienced Greenwood product liability attorney to see how the IPLA applies to your case.
In Indiana, you can base a product liability claim on strict liability or negligence. Manufacturers include any party involved in creating, constructing, assembling or preparing components or products for sale. Liable sellers typically don’t include casual sellers, such as people selling items in yard sales.
Strict liability
You can hold manufacturers liable for damages if:
- The product sold is unreasonably dangerous.
- The unreasonably dangerous condition was present while the manufacturer had control of the product.
- This condition directly caused harm.
Sellers of these products aren’t liable unless they are also the product’s manufacturer.
Negligence
In negligence-based claims, your product defect attorney seeks to prove that:
- The guilty party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached their duty of care.
- This breach directly caused harm to you.
Your Sevenish Law Firm Greenwood product liability attorney will tell you about your legal options to hold guilty parties accountable during a free case evaluation.
What Kinds of Defective Products Does the IPLA Cover?
By law, manufacturers must ensure that using their products as suggested is safe for consumers. Despite this, any type of product can be defective:
- Appliances, electronics and power tools
- Automobiles or parts such as brakes and tires
- Children’s car seats, products and toys
- Drugs, medical equipment and healthcare products
- Food
Machines and workplace equipment are also defective at times, posing safety hazards to workers. If you can buy an item, it’s likely eligible for a product liability claim if it harms you. When manufacturers become aware of dangerous product defects, they must issue recalls, but this does not always happen.
Faulty items can cause electrical shocks, car collisions, burns, choking, illnesses, injuries and death. Your Sevenish Law Firm product defect attorney can bring legal action against those responsible.
Are All Product Liability Claims the Same?
Your Greenwood product liability attorney will decide which type of claim you can file:
- Design defects: If a product’s performance is unsafe, even when used appropriately, a design flaw likely caused it.
- Manufacturing defects: Products with a sound design that don’t perform correctly often have flaws in their components, manufacturing or assembling.
- Failure to warn: Manufacturers must provide clear usage instructions that include warnings about reasonably expected hazards.
- Marketing flaws: Any party in the supply chain may advertise ways you can use a product, but sometimes those methods ultimately cause danger or harm to users.
The facts of your case determine the type of claim you can make.
Can Your Defective Product Attorney Recover Compensation for You?
In Indiana, you typically have two years from the date of your illness or injury to file a product liability claim. Other time limits also apply, so contact Sevenish Law Firm as soon as possible to ensure we have enough time to build a strong case.
Each case differs, but you may qualify to receive compensation for many damages, such as:
- Medical bills, rehabilitation and medications
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Losing your enjoyment of life
After assessing your case and condition, your attorney from Sevenish Law Firm will tell you how much your case is worth.
Why Choose Sevenish Law Firm as Your Greenwood Product Liability Attorney?
With over 35 years of experience, Randall Sevenish and his legal team at Sevenish Law Firm have an impeccable track record. We understand Indiana’s product liability laws and how to win claims. We develop personal relationships with our clients and will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
If a defective product harmed you, contact a Greenwood product liability attorney at Sevenish Law Firm today to request your free consultation. Call us 24/7 at (317) 720-3229 or complete our online request form.
