We use marketed products and machines in our daily lives without much thought about their safety. This is expected given that products that reach the market are supposed to be rigorously analyzed and tested to ensure that they’re safe for their intended use. Yet, the reality is that all too often dangerous devices slip into the market. And when they do, they can put unsuspecting consumers like you at risk of harm.
The damage caused by a defective machine can be tremendous, too. Not only will you be left with extensive pain and suffering and perhaps limited mobility, but you can also incur significant medical expenses for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, suffer lost income due to an inability to work while you focus on your recovery and face an inability to enjoy your normal life. Let’s look a little more closely at some of the injuries that you might suffer at the hands of a defective machine.
Common injuries suffered when hurt by a defective machine
There are several injuries that can be suffered when you encounter dangerous and defective machinery. Here are some of the most common:
- Lacerations: Depending on the product you’re using, a defect in design, production, labeling or marketing can lead to use that puts you at risk of getting cut or stuck by a piece of the machinery. Some of these lacerations are so severe that they require stitches, surgery or even amputation.
- Pinch and crush injuries: The machinery with which you interact is going to have moving parts. But if the machine is defective in some way, then those moving parts may not operate as they should and as you expect. This can result in getting pinched or crushed. Here, you might suffer broken bones and damage to your muscles, tendons, ligaments and even your internal organs.
- Exposure to toxic fumes: A lot of machinery requires chemical lubricants or produce some form of toxic waste. If the machine was secured on the open market, then it should have safety features that keep you safe from exposure to these substances. But if the machine is defective, thereby exposing you to toxic fumes, then you could develop serious medical conditions such as respiratory diseases and cancer.
What should you do if you’ve been harmed by a defective product?
If you’ve been hurt by a defective product, then you should consider taking legal action in hopes of finding accountability and recovering compensation. In the context of a product liability claim, you’ll need to show that there was an error in the product’s design, manufacturing, labeling or marketing. You’ll need to show that you were hurt while using the product as intended and without making any modifications to it. An expert might be able to help you explain how the product in question was defective, thereby resulting in your injuries, so don’t feel like you have to shoulder the argument yourself. That said, the onus is on you to build your case, so make sure you have strong evidence and persuasive arguments on your side to increase your chances of success.
Don’t miss key opportunities in your product liability case
A successful product liability case can provide you with the financial relief and closure that you need and deserve. But you’ll have to aggressively fight for the outcome that you want. If you’re nervous about how to appropriately do that, don’t worry. You can have a legal ally in your corner who can help guide you every step of the way.