A product liability attorney represents clients in cases where defective or malfunctioning consumer products have caused harm. This specialized type of law is a common part of the judicial system in the United States, where courts consider lawsuits against corporations when their products are deemed unsafe. Attorneys who specialize in product liability assist clients in pursuing compensation for damages caused by defective products.
A product liability lawyer will have specialized knowledge and skills in how market products can expose a manufacturer or distributor to liability. These legal professionals may have dealt with consumer product recalls in which the public is aware of potential safety hazards. They may also be used to deal with more complex product liability cases in which the user bears the burden of proof. In these situations, a product liability lawyer can assist in the development of a case and the gathering of evidence.
In cases where consumer product liability is not clearly evident or defined, a product liability attorney may also be familiar with specific legal terminology. In some of these cases, the problem isn’t the product’s inherent danger, but rather the consumer’s lack of knowledge. Issues like a lack of warning labels may be at the heart of a product liability case in these situations. In this case, a product liability lawyer will try to prove that the consumer’s lack of education equates to the manufacturer’s or distributor’s negligence.
A product liability lawyer must be licensed to practice in the state in which he or she is employed. If necessary, the lawyer must be able to appear in court, which necessitates specific qualifications and requirements for the job. To showcase their talents and abilities together, product liability lawyers may form a collective legal practice, combining the cost of advertising and other overhead. These legal teams use a variety of different types of advertising to show the public that they can work on behalf of their clients in a product liability case.
Cases involving product liability are extremely diverse. A product liability lawyer may conduct research into medications and their side effects, automobile safety, equipment failures, electrical wiring, and a variety of other health and safety issues. A large part of what a product liability attorney can do for a client is analyze and evaluate general and specific risks. Another important service provided by these attorneys is advising their clients on case options, the likelihood of specific outcomes, information on how local courts schedule hearings and trials, and how or whether to file an individual or class action lawsuit against a company.