Defective Products in Michigan: Understanding Product Liability and Your Rights
As consumers, we rely on products to meet our everyday needs, assuming they will function safely and as intended. However, when a product proves defective, it can result in accidents, injuries, and even death. In Michigan, product liability laws are in place to protect consumers and hold manufacturers accountable for their faulty products.
What is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers for the injuries caused by defective products they produce or distribute. When a product is defective, unreasonably dangerous, or lacks proper warnings, those harmed by the product have the right to seek compensation for their injuries.
Examples of Product Liability Cases
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Defective Design: One type of product liability case involves defective design. If a product's design is fundamentally flawed and poses an injury risk to consumers, it may be considered defective. For example, a car with faulty brakes that fail to function properly can lead to severe accidents and injuries.
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Manufacturing Defects: Another category of product liability cases arises from manufacturing defects. These defects occur during the production process and result in specific units of a product being unsafe or not meeting typical safety standards. For instance, a batch of contaminated medication due to an error in the manufacturing process can cause severe health complications in consumers.
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Insufficient Product Warnings: Product liability actions can also stem from insufficient product warnings. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to provide clear and adequate warnings about potential risks associated with their products. Failure to do so may result in liability if a consumer is injured due to a lack of warning. As an example, a cleaning agent without proper instructions for safe usage could lead to harmful chemical exposure.
Who Can File Product Liability Actions?
In Michigan, any individual who has suffered injuries or damages caused by a defective product can file a product liability action. This includes not only the direct purchasers of the product but also those who may have used or been affected by the defective product in a reasonably foreseeable manner. This broadens the scope of potential plaintiffs, allowing for a wider range of individuals to seek justice for their injuries.
The Financial Costs of Product Liability
Product liability cases can entail significant financial burdens for both the injured individuals and the manufacturers held liable. Legal fees, expert witness costs, investigation expenses, and court proceedings can accumulate quickly, making these cases complex and resource-intensive.
Contact Our Michigan Product Liability Lawyer
Our Kent County product liability lawyer can help you if you or someone you love has been injured by a defective product in Michigan. We want to make it as easy as we can for you to receive the compensation you require. For a free consultation, please contact us at 616-361-8850.
Source: https://michigan.law.umich.edu/courses/products-liability
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