If a person suffers injuries or a loved one dies because of a faulty product, they may file a claim against the product manufacturer or another party. Below are several important facts about working with a product liability attorney in Belleville, IL.
Illinois Is a Strict Liability State
Illinois follows the strict liability doctrine, which means a victim doesn’t have to offer proof of the manufacturer’s negligence to receive damages. Here, the victim only has to show that a defect existed and that it caused their injuries.
There Are Multiple Types of Product Defects
Manufacturers may produce defective products in several ways. For example, a company may be negligent in a product’s design or follow substandard manufacturing practices. If a firm incorrectly markets a product or fails to list an age group for which it’s designed, it may be held responsible for a victim’s damages.
Multiple Parties May Share Responsibility
Product liability claims may include not only the item’s manufacturer, but wholesalers, retailers, and other parties. A victim and their product liability attorney in Belleville, IL must prove that these other parties’ negligence somehow contributed to the injury.
Consumers Are Responsible for Their Safety
Strict liability rules don’t absolve consumers of personal responsibility. Companies can defend a claim by alleging that the buyer didn’t use the product in an intended manner or they used it carelessly. Suffering an injury related to a defective product doesn’t always mean that the courts will find in the victim’s favor, and other defenses are possible in some cases.
An Injured Consumer May Be Eligible for an Award
A person who is injured because of a defective item may be able to receive the following types of damages:
*Medical bills
*Lost wages
*Pain and suffering
As a lawyer may say, every case is unique, and damages can differ from one case to another.
Call a Lawyer for Product Liability Claims Help
It’s important for victims to hire attorneys who know Illinois’ laws on product liability claims. If someone suffers an injury after using a defective item, they can visit the firm online or call to get more information.
