Have you ever used a product that hurt you instead of helping you? Maybe it broke too easily, didn’t come with a warning, or just didn’t work the way it should. If that happened and you got injured, you might have what’s called a product liability case.
In simple words, product liability is the legal responsibility of a company when their product causes harm. Let’s break down what that really means, when you can sue, and how a personal injury lawyer in Manhattan can help you.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability is part of personal injury law. It means that a manufacturer, seller, or distributor can be held legally responsible if a product they made or sold turns out to be unsafe — and that product ends up hurting someone.
It doesn’t matter if the product was small, like a bottle of medicine, or big, like a power tool. If it was defective and caused an injury, you may have a legal case.
How Can a Product Be Dangerous?
Products can be dangerous in different ways. The most common causes of product-related injuries fall into three categories:
1. Bad Design
Sometimes the product is dangerous even before it’s made. The design itself is faulty.
Example: A baby walker that tips over too easily when a child leans forward.
2. Manufacturing Problem
The product’s design is fine, but something goes wrong while it’s being made.
Example: A car with a brake pedal that doesn’t work because of a factory error.
3. No Warning Label
Even if the product is designed and made correctly, it can still be risky to use. If it doesn’t include warnings or instructions, people can get hurt.
Example: A household cleaner that burns your skin but has no warning label.
When Can You Sue for Product Liability?
You may be able to sue if:
- You were using the product the way it was supposed to be used,
- The product was defective, unsafe, or didn’t warn you about dangers,
- And that defect caused your injury.
For example, if you used a pressure cooker correctly and it exploded, causing burns, that could be a product liability case. Or if a child chokes on a toy part that should have been labeled unsafe for children, that may also be a case.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
Product liability cases aren’t easy to handle on your own. Big companies usually have strong legal teams to defend themselves. That’s why you should speak with a personal injury lawyer in Manhattan if you think a product hurt you.
A good lawyer can:
- Investigate how and why the product failed,
- Talk to experts and collect medical records,
- Deal with the paperwork, insurance companies, and court deadlines,
- And most importantly, fight to get you fair compensation for your injuries.
They’ll know the right steps to take so that your case has the best chance of success.
What Can You Be Compensated For?
If your case is successful, you could get paid for things like:
- Medical bills (hospital, doctor visits, treatment),
- Lost income (if you missed work because of your injury),
- Pain and suffering (physical pain and emotional stress),
- Ongoing treatment or therapy if your injury is long-term.
In some rare cases, you may even be awarded punitive damages — extra money meant to punish the company if they were especially careless or dishonest.
Don’t Wait Too Long
In New York, the law usually gives you three years from the date of your injury to file a product liability lawsuit. But waiting too long can hurt your case. Over time, products get thrown away, evidence disappears, and witnesses forget what happened.
So if something you used has hurt you, don’t delay. The sooner you act, the better your chances.
Hurt by a Product? Talk to a Lawyer Today
No one expects to be injured by a product they trusted. But when it happens, you don’t have to deal with it alone. A skilled personal injury lawyer in Manhattan can guide you, explain your rights, and help you file a claim.
You deserve answers. You deserve compensation. Most of all, you deserve someone in your corner who will fight for you.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Even if you’re not sure whether you have a case, it’s worth talking to a lawyer. A quick consultation can help you understand your options and give you peace of mind.
At Yassi Law PC, we listen, we care, and we’re here to help you get justice. Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward holding the right people accountable.
