Ohio Product Liability Lawyer

Defective products appear in nearly every part of daily life, from the car you drive to the medication you take. The severity of injuries and financial losses caused by these products often determine the compensation amount. Here’s a look at common types of product liability cases and the potential compensation involved:

Defective Auto Parts

Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, steering issues, and malfunctioning airbags have caused countless accidents. For example, a defective airbag that deploys unexpectedly could lead to head trauma and broken bones.

• Compensation Range: Settlements and awards for defective auto parts often range from $50,000 to over $1 million, depending on the extent of injuries and whether the defect caused a serious accident or long-term disability.

Dangerous Medications and Medical Devices

Pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers have faced major claims over medications and implants that caused severe side effects. For instance, a blood thinner that causes uncontrollable bleeding or a defective hip implant that requires surgical correction could lead to significant medical expenses and long-term health issues.

• Compensation Range: Pharmaceutical and medical device claims can lead to multimillion-dollar settlements, mainly when hidden risks or known side effects result in severe health complications.

Unsafe Children’s Products

Children’s products like car seats, strollers, toys, and cribs must meet strict safety standards. A poorly designed car seat that fails to protect a child in a crash or a toy with small, detachable parts that pose a choking hazard can cause serious injuries.

• Compensation Range: Settlements for injuries involving unsafe children’s products often range from $25,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of the harm and long-term medical needs.

Household Appliances and Tools

Electrical malfunctions, overheating, and improper assembly instructions can lead to fires, burns, and injuries. A defective power tool with a missing safety guard or a kitchen appliance prone to electrical fires could cause serious harm.

• Compensation Range: Claims involving burns, fires, and electrical injuries from defective appliances can result in settlements between $20,000 and $750,000, depending on the level of injury and property damage.

Food Contamination

Food poisoning and allergic reactions from contaminated or mislabeled food products can lead to serious health issues. If a food manufacturer fails to disclose allergen information or allows bacterial contamination, they may be liable for medical costs and other losses.

• Compensation Range: Claims for food-related injuries typically result in settlements ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, depending on medical costs and the severity of the illness.

Severe cases involving permanent disability or wrongful death can lead to higher settlements or jury awards. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average personal injury jury awards for product liability were over seven million dollars in 2020. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning potential, pain and suffering, and property damage.