Defective or dangerous products can appear in almost any consumer market. From automobiles to children’s toys, defective items can pose a serious threat to the health and safety of purchasers.
In some cases – especially those that involve defective vehicles – victims can sustain serious and potentially fatal injuries. These accidents often involve expensive medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, consumers may be able to recover some of these costs in a personal-injury lawsuit.
According to the University of Iowa, product liability laws exist to protect consumers from defective items. There are federal and state laws that govern these cases. If a defective product harms you in the state of Iowa, it may be possible to recover compensation via a civil lawsuit, as outlined by the Iowa Code.
If you have suffered injuries due to a defective or dangerous product, Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC can evaluate your circumstances to find out if you may be eligible for damages. Proving these cases requires extensive evidence and a well-structured claim, which is why the support of a Cedar Rapids personal-injury attorney from our firm can prove invaluable. To schedule a free consultation with a lawyer from our firm, call 319-393-1020.
In the meantime, read on to learn more about possible sources of product liability claims in Iowa:
1. Safety Equipment and Recreational Items
There are many companies that design safety equipment to protect people from death and injury, but if these products malfunction or do not perform under the intended circumstances, then you may be able to sue the company for damages. Product liability claims are particularly common with sporting and recreational safety gear, such as helmets, safety goggles and protective guards.
2. Prescription Drugs
Defective prescription drugs or supplements can cause serious health conditions. In these cases, the patient may have grounds for a liability claim against the drug manufacturer. It may also be possible to file a claim if the drugs did not come with adequate warnings, had insufficient instructions, were contaminated or made false claims about their efficacy.
3. Motor Vehicles
Car accidents are common, and they often result from driver negligence. In some cases, though, these wrecks stem from defective auto parts.
Crashes often involve small parts, such as the airbag, safety belt or tires, but they can cause major collisions that involve serious injuries and property damage. In these cases, it may be possible to seek damages from the vehicle’s manufacturer.
It is not always easy to identify defective or dangerous products, but you can reduce the risk of injury by purchasing goods from manufacturers that have independent certifications. Even so, it is possible that well-known, reputable companies manufacture harmful products. By bringing a claim against these parties, not only can you recover health-care costs, but you can also save other people from the same danger.
A Cedar Rapids accident attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC can examine the details of your injuries to determine if filing a lawsuit would be in your best interests. Call us today at 319-393-1020 to schedule an appointment.