Salt Lake City Product Liability Lawyers

What Is A Defective Product?

It can be difficult to tell when a product is defective, or when a defective product is the cause of an accident or injury. A product may be dangerous without actually being defective. For example, power tools pose certain risks to users, even when they are used correctly.

However, this does not mean that a person can bring a claim against a manufacturer if they are injured while using a power tool. In order to be considered “defective,” a product must have some flaw that renders it unreasonably unsafe for normal use.

There are three main types of product defects:

• Design Defects - A design defect affects an entire line of products. This occurs when the actual design of the product makes it unreasonably unsafe for typical use. In other words, the product is designed in such a way that it poses an unreasonable risk of serious, foreseeable harm to the user. Examples include vehicles that are top-heavy, causing them to roll over when making sharp turns, or electronic products that are highly flammable.
• Manufacturing Defects - Unlike design defects, manufacturing defects only affect certain units within a line of products. These defects occur when a product has been properly designed but a flaw is introduced during the production phase. For example, industrial equipment that is produced with missing components or an airbag that is improperly installed into a vehicle would both be an example of a manufacturing defect.
• Labeling Defects - A labeling defect occurs when a product is missing important safety warnings, instructions, and/or other labels. One common example is pharmaceutical medications that do not contain a full list of possible side effects. Similar to a labeling defect, a product may contain a marketing defect. This occurs when a product is marketed for untested and/or unapproved uses, such as an anti-nausea medication prescribed to pregnant women despite being untested for this use.

At Steele Adams Hosman, our Salt Lake City product liability lawyers work with a team of experts who assist in compiling evidence and testifying as to whether a product contained a defect and whether this defect contributed to or caused our clients’ injuries. We know how to build powerful, persuasive claims and are always willing to fight for our clients, even if that means going to trial.

Call us today at (801) 999-1506 or contact us online to request a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

Examples of Commonly Defective Products

Although any industrial or consumer product can be defective, some types of products tend to crop up in product liability litigation more frequently than others.

Often, these products have been recalled, either by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the manufacturer, or both. However, the absence of a recall does not necessarily mean that a product is not defective.

Examples of common defective products include:

• Motor vehicles and vehicle parts, such as tires, braking systems, transmissions, accelerators, airbags, and seatbelts
• Children’s products, such as cribs, blankets, toys, car seats, strollers, bottles and bottle warmers, hygiene products, and more
• Pharmaceutical drugs, including antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, and medications used to treat heart disease, stroke, infections, and more
• Medical devices, such as hip and knee implants, proton pump inhibitors, CPAP machines, transvaginal and hernia mesh, IVC blood clot filters, and surgical robots
• Household appliances and cleaning products, including gas-powered washers and dryers, water heaters, ovens, and chemicals
• Industrial and agricultural products, such as heavy machinery, power tools, equipment, and pesticides/herbicides
• Electronic devices, including personal computers, laptops, tablets, cell phones, chargers, and e-cigarettes/vapes

While these represent some of the most commonly defective products, any product can be faulty, and any faulty product can cause serious injury. If you believe you or someone you love was harmed by a defective product, turn to the team at Steele Adams Hosman.

Defective Product Claims in Utah

Every day, consumers use hundreds if not thousands of products. From the cars we drive to the medications we take, these products are designed to make our lives easier, safer, and better. However, when these products fail to work properly, they can cause serious, even catastrophic injuries. In some cases, defective products can even lead to fatal accidents.

If you were injured by a defective or faulty product, you could have a claim against the manufacturer or another liable party—and Steele Adams Hosman can help. Based in Salt Lake City, our product liability lawyers represent clients in Cottonwood Heights, Ogden, Sandy, and the surrounding areas who have been injured due to manufacturer negligence.

We offer personal attention and direct contact with your attorney throughout the legal process. You can count on our team to fight for you and the justice you deserve.