Glenn Mills Product Liability Lawyer

Defective products can cause serious harm, and manufacturers must be held accountable for unsafe designs, manufacturing defects, and inadequate warnings. If you’ve been injured by a dangerous product, Kingbird Legal’s experienced product liability lawyers in Glenn Mills will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you take legal action.

Filing a Product Liability Claim in Pennsylvania

Defective products can cause serious harm, leaving consumers with injuries, medical expenses, and financial hardships. When a product is unsafe due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warnings, the company responsible should be held accountable. In Pennsylvania, product liability laws protect consumers by allowing them to seek compensation for injuries caused by dangerous or faulty products.

Understanding how to file a product liability claim can help injured individuals take the right steps toward recovery. Knowing what evidence is needed, how to prove fault, and what deadlines apply can make a significant difference in the success of a case.

Understanding Product Liability in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania follows strict product liability laws, which means that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held responsible if a product is found to be defective and causes injury. Unlike other personal injury cases, victims do not always have to prove negligence. If the product was unreasonably dangerous when used as intended, the company that made or sold it can be held liable.

Product liability claims generally fall into three categories:

Design defects – The product is dangerous because of the way it was designed, even if it was manufactured correctly.
Manufacturing defects – The design is safe, but an error during production made the product hazardous.
Failure to warn – The product lacks proper instructions or warnings about potential risks.

Identifying which type of defect caused the injury is essential in building a strong case.

Seeking Medical Attention Immediately

After an injury caused by a defective product, getting medical care should be the first priority. Some injuries may not seem serious at first but could become worse over time. A doctor’s evaluation will also create a medical record, which can serve as key evidence in a product liability claim.

Medical documentation helps connect the injury to the defective product. Without a medical record, the manufacturer’s insurance company may try to argue that the injury was caused by something else.

Preserving the Defective Product

Keeping the product in its original condition is crucial. If possible, injured individuals should avoid repairing, throwing away, or altering the item in any way. The product itself is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a liability claim.

Along with the product, other useful evidence includes:

Original packaging and instructions – These can show whether proper warnings or safety guidelines were provided.
Receipts or proof of purchase – Establishing when and where the product was bought can help link it to the responsible party.
Photos and videos – Documenting the product and the injuries can provide visual evidence of the defect and the harm it caused.

If the product was recalled, that information can also be used to strengthen a claim.

Determining Who Is Responsible

Product liability cases can involve multiple parties, including the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer. The responsible party depends on where the defect occurred in the supply chain.

Manufacturers – If the defect was in the design or production, the company that made the product is likely at fault.
Distributors – If the product was damaged or altered while being transported, the distributor may be held accountable.
Retailers – If a store knowingly sold a dangerous product, they may share liability.

Identifying all possible defendants can help maximize compensation. In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for the defective product.

Proving the Product Was Defective

To succeed in a product liability claim, injured consumers must prove that the product was defective and that the defect caused their injuries. Unlike general personal injury claims, proving negligence is not always required.

To establish liability, a claimant must show that:

The product was defective when it left the manufacturer or seller.
The defect made the product unreasonably dangerous.
The product was being used as intended when the injury occurred.
The defect directly caused harm.

Expert testimony may be needed to explain how the product was flawed and why it posed a danger to consumers. Engineers, medical professionals, or industry experts can provide insights into what went wrong.

Calculating the Value of a Claim

A product liability claim can cover a wide range of damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term disabilities. The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on the victim’s life.

Common damages in product liability cases include:

Medical costs – Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages – Time away from work due to recovery or disability.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Future expenses – Long-term medical care, home modifications, or assistive devices.

In cases where a defective product leads to a fatal injury, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover funeral costs and provide financial support for dependents.

Filing a Claim Within the Legal Deadline

Pennsylvania law sets a strict deadline for product liability claims. In most cases, injured individuals have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If a claim is not filed within this timeframe, the right to seek compensation may be lost.

There are some exceptions to this rule. If the injury was not immediately apparent, the deadline may begin from the date the defect was discovered. Speaking with a legal professional early can help ensure that all filing requirements are met.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

After a product-related injury, the manufacturer’s insurance company may offer a settlement. While this might seem like a quick way to resolve the issue, these initial offers are often much lower than what the claim is worth.

Insurance adjusters may try to:

Minimize the severity of the injury
Claim the product was misused
Offer a low settlement before the full impact of the injury is known

Before accepting any offer, it is important to understand the full extent of the damages. Consulting with an attorney can help determine whether the settlement is fair or if further legal action is necessary.

Working with a Lawyer to Strengthen a Case

Product liability cases can be complex, especially when dealing with large corporations and their legal teams. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence, work with experts, and negotiate with insurers to ensure fair compensation.

An experienced lawyer can:

Investigate the product defect and determine liability
Collect medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence
Handle communication with insurance companies
Represent the injured party in court if necessary

Having legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable

Seek Justice with a Product Liability Attorney

A defective product can cause life-changing injuries, but Pennsylvania law provides a way for victims to seek justice. Taking the right steps after an injury—preserving evidence, seeking medical care, and understanding legal rights—can help strengthen a product liability claim.

By pursuing fair compensation, injured individuals can recover the financial support they need while holding manufacturers and sellers accountable for unsafe products. Speaking with a legal professional can provide clarity and direction, helping victims navigate the claims process with confidence. Kingbird Legal’s product liability attorneys in Glenn Mills are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you fight back against corporate negligence.