When you buy a product, you expect it to be safe to use. Unfortunately, defective items can cause serious harm, leaving you or a loved one facing unexpected injuries, medical bills, and lost time from work. These situations can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through them alone. Texas law, including in Houston, gives you the right to take action when a manufacturer’s product causes harm. This blog explains product liability and how an experienced injury attorney can help you recover just compensation.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability is the legal responsibility manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have to ensure their products are safe when used as intended. If a product is defective and causes injury, the individuals or companies involved in manufacturing and selling it can be held liable.
Three main types of defects can form the basis of a product liability lawsuit:
- Defective Design – The product’s design is inherently unsafe, even if it were made correctly.
- Manufacturing Defect – An error occurred during production, rendering the product unsafe.
- Failure to Warn – Missing or inadequate instructions or safety warnings about known risks.
Common Examples of Defective Products
Defective products can be found in almost every category, from everyday items to specialized equipment. Some examples include:
- Consumer goods – Household appliances, electronics, or children’s toys with hidden hazards.
- Automotive parts – Faulty brakes, defective airbags, or tires that fail unexpectedly.
- Medical devices and pharmaceuticals – Unsafe drugs, defective implants, or equipment failures.
No matter the product, the harm can range from burns and cuts to severe, life-changing injuries.
How Texas Law Handles Product Liability Claims
In many product liability cases, Texas applies a strict liability standard. This means you don’t have to prove the manufacturer was careless. You only need to show that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injury.
However, there are still critical legal rules to keep in mind:
- Statute of limitations – In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim.
- Comparative fault – If your actions contributed to the injury, your compensation could be reduced.
Building a strong claim often requires gathering technical evidence and expert analysis to link the defect to your injury.
Proving a Product Liability Case
To succeed in a product liability lawsuit, you generally need to show:
- The product was defective.
- The defect existed when it left the manufacturer’s control.
- The defect directly caused your injury or damages.
Key evidence can include:
- The defective product.
- Accident or injury reports.
- Medical records connecting the injury to the product.
- Testimony from engineers or other professionals who can explain the defect.
Because evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, it’s essential to act quickly to preserve it.
Potential Compensation in Product Liability Cases
If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment.
- Lost income and reduced earning ability.
- Pain and suffering.
- In some cases, punitive damages are used to discourage similar conduct by manufacturers.
While Texas caps punitive damages, there is no limit on compensatory damages for personal injury.
How a Product Liability Attorney Can Help
Manufacturers and their insurance companies have significant resources to defend against product liability claims. Having an experienced legal team on your side can help level the playing field.
At Sherman Law Firm, we understand how stressful these situations can be. Our Houston product liability lawyers work to protect your rights, gather the evidence you need, and guide you through the legal process with compassion and determination. We fight for fair results while keeping you informed every step of the way.
If a defective product has injured you or a loved one, call us today to speak with an experienced product liability lawyer.