If a manufacturer creates a defective product that causes harm, it needs to be held responsible. If you have been injured by an item that you bought, a New Jersey defective product lawyer can help you sue for damages and show companies that they must be more careful with the products that they create.
What Needs to Be Shown in a Defective Product Lawsuit?
You need to do a few things when you file a defective product lawsuit. You have to have:
- Proof of injury
- Proof of defect
- Proof that the two are connected
Obviously, you need to show that you were injured, but you also need to show that the defective product itself was to blame. If you cut yourself with a saw, that is not enough. If you cut yourself with a saw because part of it broke off and hit another part of your body, then that is a defective product.
You also have to show that the product injured you during normal and expected use. That is all that the manufacturer should have to test and prepare for. If you use a product for something that it is not intended for, it is unlikely that you will be able to file a defective product lawsuit even if you did get seriously injured. In a case like that, the product was not poorly made. You used it incorrectly.
Who Can Be Sued Over a Defective Product?
In some defective product cases, there can be multiple liable parties. You could potentially sue:
The manufacturer: They made the product and should be primarily responsible for the danger it poses.
A component maker: It is possible that a specific component caused the product to become dangerous. You may be able to sue the manufacturer of that part.
The product seller: The seller of the product can also be held liable in situations if they helped designed the product, provided incorrect information with the product, or knew the product was defective.
How Long Do I Have to Sue for Damages?
You do not have unlimited time to act if you have been injured by a defective product. New Jersey gives you just two years to sue the manufacturer. This can seem like a lot of time, but the weeks can pass by surprisingly quickly as you recover from your injuries and try to get back to your normal life.
This is why we recommend hiring a lawyer. Not only can their experiences with cases like this come in handy, but they can focus on the paperwork and make sure that you do not miss out on your chance to sue for damages. They can also make sure that your compensation offer is fair and that it makes up for everything you have experienced. A reasonable offer should help cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
Contact Our Law Firm Today
When you are ready to pursue compensation, contact the Law Office of Craig M. Rothenberg. We can schedule a free consultation and tell you more about the potential value of your case. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are ready to help you and your family.
