A personal injury attorney can help you file a claim if you have suffered damages due to a defective product. There are specific requirements for proving a defective product claim. Essentially, you must be able to show that you were using the product as intended, the product was defective, and the defect caused you harm. You’ll also have to show that the injury resulted in a financial burden. Here’s what you should know before filing this type of claim.

Who Is Responsible in a Defective Product Injury Claim?

Assuming you can prove that you were the victim of a defective product, you’ll need to know who to file the complaint against. This isn’t always as easy as you might think, and your personal injury attorney may suggest naming more than one entity in the complaint. You’ll almost always name the manufacturer as a defendant, particularly if the defect was due to the manufacturing process.

If the defect was caused by damage done to the product after it was manufactured, your lawyer might also want to name the retailer. It’s important to name all liable parties in a defective product claim because it maximizes your chances for a successful outcome.

Even if you weren’t the one to purchase the product, you can still file a claim. Additionally, you should consider filing if you suffered damages as the result of another person using the defective product. 

What Damages Can Your Personal Injury Attorney Help You Seek? 

The damages you can claim are similar to those that you can seek in most personal injury cases. This includes seeking damages for your medical care costs. While this should cover your immediate need for treatment, your injuries may require long-term care and physical therapy, or you may have sustained a permanent disability. Your settlement or award should cover all of these costs.

When you consult with an attorney at law, be sure to know how much time you have missed from work and how long it will be before you can return. If your disability prevents you from working, or if you must change career fields, your damages should reflect these financial burdens as well. You may also be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering and loss of consortium if your injuries resulted in the loss of your relationship with a spouse.

Today, manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure their products are safe, but mistakes happen. The personal injury attorneys at The Finkelstein Law Firm in Goshen, NY, can help you file a defective product claim. They’ve been practicing law in the Hudson Valley area for more than 20 years, so they know how to help their clients obtain favorable outcomes in a variety of legal cases. To schedule an initial consultation, visit them online or call (845) 294-9003.