Tampa Product Liability Lawyer

Injured by a Dangerous or Defective Product?

Product liability lawsuits are complex claims that pit individuals and families against powerful and well-resourced corporations. If you or someone you love were injured by a defective product – be it a defectively designed consumer product, a dangerous medication, or a faulty auto component – working with proven legal counsel can help you level the playing field with product manufacturers and fight effectively for the compensation you deserve.

At Burnetti, P.A., we have what it takes to guide victims across Tampa through all types of product liability cases. Comprised of award-winning attorneys, we’ve earned a reputation for handling high-stakes personal injury and wrongful death claims involving defective products and have secured millions of dollars in compensation for clients.

Discuss your rights and options with a Tampa product liability attorney from our team. We offer FREE consultations and work on contingency, which means there’s no fee unless we win. Call (813) 414-5884 or contact us online to get started.

What Are Product Liability Lawsuits?

Product liability is a legal field that holds manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers accountable for injuries caused by defective products. If you've been harmed by a product that was unsafe, you may be eligible to file a product liability claim. These claims aim to protect consumers and ensure that responsible parties are held liable when their products cause preventable injuries.

In a product liability case, it's crucial to demonstrate that the product was defective and that this defect directly resulted in your injury. This often requires victims and their attorneys to conduct an in-depth examination of the product, the defect, and the circumstances under which the injury occurred.

Types of Product Liability Claims We Handle

Our Tampa product liability attorneys are equipped to handle a diverse range of defective product cases. This includes claims filed over:

• Dangerous drugs and pharmaceuticals
• Defective medical devices
• Automotive defects
• Faulty consumer electronics
• Unsafe household appliances
• Defective children's products
• Hazardous chemicals
• Construction equipment malfunctions

Common Product Defects

A product can be deemed defective in several ways. The law recognizes three primary categories of product defects:

1. Design Defects: These defects are inherent in the product design, making the product unsafe even when manufactured correctly. For instance, a car with a design flaw that makes it prone to fire in rear-end collisions has a design defect.
2. Manufacturing Defects: These occur during the production process, resulting in products that deviate from the intended design and are unsafe. An example is a batch of contaminated food products that causes illness.
3. Marketing Defects: Also known as "failure to warn," these defects involve insufficient instructions or warnings about the product's proper use or potential risks. For example, a power tool without adequate safety warnings could be considered to have a marketing defect.

Product liability cases can be based on negligence or strict liability. Negligence requires proof that the defendant's lack of reasonable care led to the defect and subsequent injury. Strict liability, however, does not require proving negligence—only that the product was defective and caused harm.

Building a Product Liability Case

To successfully bring a product liability claim, several critical elements must be established:

1. Defect: You must prove that the product had a design, manufacturing, or marketing defect.
2. Causation: You need to demonstrate a direct link between the defect and your injury.
3. Intended Use: It must be shown that you were using the product in a way that was foreseeable by the manufacturer.
4. Damages: You must have suffered actual harm, whether physical, emotional, or financial.

Our Comprehensive Legal Support

Our Tampa personal injury firm is dedicated to assisting victims of defective products through every step of their claim. Our comprehensive services include:

• Free Initial Consultations: We assess your case and determine the best legal strategy.
• Detailed Investigations: We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence and establish the defect's impact.
• Expert Testimony: We collaborate with industry experts to provide technical insights that bolster your case.
• Discovery Process: We manage all aspects of discovery, including obtaining necessary documents and conducting depositions.
• Settlement Negotiations: We strive to negotiate fair settlements with responsible parties or their insurers.
• Aggressive Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Tampa Product Liability FAQ

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Product Liability Claim?

In a product liability claim, you may be entitled to various types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and lost future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Cases in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim is generally four years from the date of the injury, or two years after the date of death.

Because there are several exceptions to this rule, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney to accurately determine the deadline that applies to your specific case. Our attorneys are readily available to discuss how the statute of limitations works for your matter during a consultation.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Product is Defective and the Cause of My Injury?

1. Seek medical attention: Your health is the priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries and ensure that all treatments and diagnoses are well-documented. This documentation will be crucial evidence in your case.
2. Preserve the product: Do not alter, repair, or discard the product. Keep it in the same condition it was in when the injury occurred. If possible, store the product in a safe place where it cannot be tampered with.
3. Document everything: Take detailed photographs of the product, your injuries, and the accident scene. Keep all packaging, instructions, receipts, and any related correspondence. Maintain a written record of how the injury occurred and any subsequent medical treatments or expenses.
4. Report the incident: Notify the retailer or manufacturer about the defect and your injury. This step can help establish a record of the defect and may trigger recalls or further investigations by the company.
5. Consult an attorney: Contact a product liability lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can assess your case, advise you of your legal options, and begin the process of collecting evidence and building a strong claim on your behalf.

Why Are Product Liability Cases Challenging?

Product liability cases are among the more challenging personal injury cases. That’s because they often involve technical and scientific issues that require expert testimony and commonly involve multiple parties that share liability, which can complicate the determination of fault.

Product liability cases also pose challenges for plaintiffs because they are viewed as major financial and reputational threats by manufacturers. In addition to exposing product makers to a potential settlement or jury award they’ll, these cases can also initiate an avalanche of problems, including recalls, regulatory inquiries and fines, and major brand damage.

As such, product manufacturers commonly utilize extensive resources to defend themselves and deny or dispute claims brought by victims. Fortunately, victims can protect their interests by working with law firms that have the experience and resources to level the playing field.

Request a FREE Consultation: (813) 414-5884

In the 30 years that our firm has been fighting for personal injury victims across Florida, we have earned a reputation for providing effective and compassionate counsel. Our award-winning attorneys have also amassed a success record that includes millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements and proven results in product liability cases. This includes a claim recently resolved by our firm for $1.25 million on behalf of an auto mechanic who was injured by a defective radiator.

If you suspect that injuries suffered by you or a loved one were caused by a defective product, we want to help. Our Tampa product liability lawyers serve clients across Hillsborough County and beyond and offer FREE consultations. Call (813) 414-5884 to request yours.