Have you been injured by a defective product in Utica, NY? The manufacturer, distributor, or retailer might be responsible for your medical bills and other associated expenses. However, taking on these large corporations can seem daunting. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side who will fight to protect your rights.
The team at Passalacqua & Associates, LLC has more than 50 years of combined experience, and we have recovered millions of dollars for other injury victims. You do not have to go through this difficult time alone.
Contact us today at (315) 500-6425 to schedule a free consultation with our Utica product liability lawyers.
How Passalacqua & Associates Can Help With a Product Liability Claim in Utica
Many injury victims have no idea where to start when it comes to getting compensation after an accident. This is especially true in cases involving defective products in Utica, New York. Thankfully, you can turn to Passalacqua & Associates for help.
Our Utica product liability attorneys can help you with every aspect of your claim by:
- Investigating your accident to determine what went wrong
- Researching the product’s history to uncover prior claims or incidents
- Identifying all potential defendants to maximize your recovery
- Working with your medical professionals to understand your injuries and put a value on your claim
- Using experts familiar with the product or manufacturing process to bolster your claim
- Negotiating a settlement that fully compensates you for all your damages
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to a jury when negotiations stall
You don’t have to handle your case on your own. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you. Members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, and other reputable legal organizations.
Our Utica product liability lawyers are ready to start putting together a winning strategy for your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
How Common Are Product Liability Accidents?
When you make a purchase, you never imagine that the product you are buying could leave you with devastating injuries. However, that situation happens every day to victims all over the country.
In 2023, 12.7 million consumers received emergency medical treatment for injuries resulting from defective products. This means that thousands of people visit emergency departments every day because some type of consumer product has hurt them.
Overview of Product Liability
Product liability cases are a little different from traditional personal injury claims. Most personal injury claims are based on negligence. For example, if someone acts negligently by texting while driving, they can be held liable for your injuries if they hurt you by causing a car accident.
A product may be considered defective for one of three reasons:
- Design defect: Issues with the underlying design make the product inherently dangerous to use.
- Manufacturing defect: Problems with the materials or manufacturing process introduce issues or defects into the product.
- Marketing defect: The product lacks proper warnings or clear instructions about its use.
Product liability claims in New York generally follow the doctrine of strict liability. This means that the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the product can be held liable even if they were not negligent.
What Are Common Injuries in Product Liability Cases?
Injuries can be caused by nearly any type of product, but some of the most common types of products that cause consumer injuries include:
- Household cleaners
- Prescription and over-the-counter medication
- Medical devices
- Household appliances
- Electronics
- Children’s toys
- Sports equipment
- ATVs and UTVs
- Vehicle accessories
We’ll review your medical records to make sure that all your medical treatment is accounted for in your claim.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Product Liability Victims?
If a defective product hurts you, you need an experienced lawyer to get you all the damages to which you are entitled. This usually includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate victims for their financial losses and other expenses from their accident.
Some common examples of economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Current and future lost wages
- Costs of medications
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
These damages are usually pretty straightforward, and proving their value is easily done through bills, receipts, and other documentation. On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate victims for their intangible losses, and they are much more subjective.
Examples of these damages are:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
Putting a value on these losses can be difficult, but our team can help you put an accurate value on your claim to ensure you get the maximum recovery available.
How Long Do I Have to File a Product Liability Lawsuit in New York?
Finally, be aware that you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after being hurt by a defective product. The statute of limitations for most product liability lawsuits is three years from the date of the injury or from the date the injury should have reasonably been discovered. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact date of the injury in some cases, especially in situations where long-term exposure to a product caused the harm.
Missing the filing deadline can cause you to lose all your rights to recover any compensation on your claim. Therefore, you should consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss your chance to get compensated for your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Utica Product Liability Lawyers
If you have been hurt by a defective product in Utica, New York, the team at Passalacqua & Associates can provide you with comprehensive legal support. You do not have to take on these large product manufacturers on your own. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you and help you get the justice you deserve.
Call us now to schedule your free consultation with our Utica product liability lawyers.