Arkansas
Product Liability Lawyer

Being injured by a defective product can be a shocking and overwhelming experience. You never expect that something as simple as using a household appliance, driving a car, or taking medication could result in serious harm. 

Unfortunately, defective products cause injuries, and when this happens, you have legal options to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. If a faulty product in Arkansas has harmed you or a loved one, you may be entitled to file a product liability claim. 

At TopDog Law, our network of local Arkansas product liability lawyers will guide you through this complex process, whether it involves a personal injury claim, a product liability lawsuit, or even a class action or mass tort. In such cases, an attorney will take the lead, handling all the complexities of your claim so that you can focus on your recovery. A lawyer will help you get the justice you deserve.

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Your Guide to Product Liability in Arkansas

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

What Is Product Liability?

Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers accountable when their products cause harm to consumers. In Arkansas, anyone involved in bringing a defective product to the market can be held liable if that product causes injury or death. 

Several types of product defects could result in a product liability claim, including:

  • Design defects: The product’s design is inherently unsafe, even when used as intended.
  • Manufacturing defects: A flaw in the production process results in a product that deviates from its intended design, making it dangerous.
  • Marketing defects: Failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions for safe use, leading to injury. 

In any of these scenarios, the injured person may have grounds to file a product liability claim to recover compensation.

Types of Claims: Personal Injury, Product Liability, Class Action, and Mass Tort

There are different ways to seek compensation after being injured by a defective product. A product liability attorney in Arkansas can help you determine which path is best suited to your situation.

Personal Injury Claim

A personal injury claim allows you to seek compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. In the case of a defective product, you could file a personal injury claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer if the product’s defect directly led to your injury. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Product Liability Lawsuit

A product liability lawsuit specifically targets the defective product itself. In these claims, it’s not necessary to prove negligence; you only need to show that the product was defective and that this defect caused your injury. 

To prove your case, a personal injury lawyer will gather evidence, such as the product’s design or manufacturing details. Depending on the nature of your injuries and how many people have been affected, a lawyer may advise you to pursue this route individually or as part of a group.

Class Action Lawsuit

When a defective product harms a large number of people in a similar way, a class action lawsuit may be filed. A class action lawsuit allows multiple victims to join in a single claim, which can help streamline the legal process. This option is often used for defective drugs, automobiles, or consumer products that have harmed many individuals in the same way.

Mass Tort

A mass tort is another form of collective legal action, similar to a class action, but with some key differences. In a mass tort, each plaintiff’s case is handled individually, with attention to their unique injuries and circumstances. Mass torts are common in cases involving defective drugs, medical devices, and toxic exposure. A lawyer will help determine whether a mass tort or class action is a more appropriate option based on the details of your case.

Product Liability Lawyer

Examples of Product Liability Claims

Defective products can come in many forms and affect consumers in different ways. Here are some examples of product liability cases that may result in serious injuries:

  • Defective auto parts: A vehicle with faulty brakes, airbags, or tires could cause a serious accident, leading to injury or death.
  • Dangerous medications: A drug with undisclosed side effects or contamination can lead to adverse health conditions or death.
  • Unsafe household appliances: A malfunctioning appliance, such as a defective space heater or electrical device, could cause burns, electrocution, or fire injuries.
  • Toxic products: Exposure to chemicals in cleaning products, cosmetics, or building materials may lead to illness or long-term health issues. 

In each of these cases, a defective product could severely impact a person’s health, safety, and well-being. Working with an Arkansas lawyer can help you understand how the law applies to your injury and how to proceed with a product liability claim.

Single-Vehicle Accidents and Product Liability

Sometimes, defective products play a role in accidents that might initially seem like the injured person’s fault. For example, a single-vehicle accident might be caused by a faulty car part, such as defective brakes or a malfunctioning steering system. 

In this situation, the injured driver might be able to pursue a product liability claim against the car manufacturer or part supplier, rather than simply accepting the blame for the crash. 

A car accident lawyer familiar with product liability law will investigate the accident to determine if a defect played a role and will handle the claim accordingly. This ensures that the injured party has the opportunity to seek compensation from the responsible manufacturer or supplier.

Personal Injury Lawyer

What Injuries Can Be Caused by Defective Products?

Defective products can cause a wide range of injuries, depending on the nature of the defect and the product involved. Some common injuries include:

  • Burns, including chemical burns from toxic products.
  • Cuts or lacerations from malfunctioning tools or appliances.
  • Broken bones or fractures from defective sports equipment or vehicles.
  • Organ damage or internal injuries from defective drugs or medical devices.
  • Electric shock or electrocution from faulty electronics.
  • Long-term health conditions, such as cancer, from exposure to toxic substances. 

Whether the injury is immediate or develops over time, a defective product can have a lasting impact on a person’s health and well-being. Working with a lawyer helps ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable and that the injured person receives the compensation they need.

How a Lawyer Can Help with a Product Liability Claim

Navigating a product liability claim can be challenging, especially when dealing with large corporations or manufacturers. This is where a lawyer can step in to manage the legal process on your behalf. An Arkansas product liability attorney will take the lead, handling all aspects of your claim, including:

  • Investigating the defect: A lawyer will gather evidence, such as the product’s design, manufacturing records, and safety reports, to prove that the product was defective and caused your injury.
  • Dealing with the manufacturer: Manufacturers often have teams of lawyers ready to defend against product liability claims. Your lawyer will handle communications and negotiations with the company’s legal team.
  • Proving your injuries: A lawyer will work with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and how the defective product caused them. This is crucial for securing compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
  • Determining the best legal strategy: Depending on the nature of the product and the number of people affected, your lawyer may advise you to pursue an individual product liability claim, join a class action, or participate in a mass tort. They will help you understand the pros and cons of each option and guide you through the process.

Arkansas Laws Affecting Product Liability Cases

In Arkansas, product liability claims are subject to several specific laws. One key aspect is the state’s comparative negligence rule, which allows injured individuals to recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for their injuries. However, the amount of compensation may be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. 

Additionally, Arkansas follows the strict liability rule for product liability cases. This means that the injured party does not have to prove that the manufacturer or seller was negligent—only that the product was defective and caused injury.

Arkansas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

Act quickly if a defective product has injured you. In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including product liability cases, is three years from the date of the injury. If you wait too long to file your claim, you may lose your right to seek compensation. 

A local Arkansas lawyer can help ensure your case is filed on time and all legal deadlines are met.

Find an Arkansas Attorney by Contacting TopDog Law

James Helm with Phone and Cash Bag

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers

Arkansas Office

116 Ottenheimer Plaza Suite 4B
Little Rock AR 72201

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