Alpharetta Product Liability Lawyer

Alpharetta Product Liability Attorney

Vehicle-related product defects can cause devastating injuries and even fatalities. When a defective automobile, component, or safety feature malfunctions, the consequences can be catastrophic for everyone in the car and even for pedestrians nearby. If you were injured due to a defective auto part or vehicle, you have the legal right to seek compensation from the manufacturer, distributor, or other responsible parties. A compassionate Alpharetta product liability lawyer from Fellows LaBriola LLP can help.

The Duty of Care to Product Consumers

Automobile manufacturers have a legal duty to design, produce, and sell vehicles that are safe for consumers. This extends to all aspects of the vehicle, such as brakes, airbags, seat belts, and electrical systems. Even a minor defect in any of these components can cause catastrophic damages or fatalities.

Manufacturers must conduct rigorous testing and quality control to uphold this duty. When a manufacturer fails to uphold this duty, the results can be devastating.

Overview of Product Liability Law

Product liability law protects consumers from dangerous or defective products. In Georgia, product liability claims generally fall under one of three theories:

• Strict Liability: Manufacturers and sellers are responsible for defective products, regardless of whether they were proven negligent.
• Negligence: The injured party must be able to prove that the manufacturer or seller failed to demonstrate reasonable care in the design, production, or distribution of the vehicle or parts.
• Breach of Warranty: This involves a violation of an express or implied warranty regarding the safety or functionality of a product.

Understanding which legal theory applies to your case requires detailed evaluation by a knowledgeable attorney skilled in identifying the right legal strategy to maximize compensation for injured victims.

Types of Defects That Can Result in a Product Liability Claim

Georgia law recognizes three primary types of product defects that can form the basis of a vehicle-related product liability claim. These include:

• Design Defects: A design defect occurs when a vehicle or vehicle component is inherently unsafe due to its blueprint or intended design. Even if manufactured correctly, the product poses an unreasonable risk to consumers. This could include examples such as vehicles prone to rollover accidents because of high centers of gravity, defective airbags that deploy too forcefully, or brake systems that fail under certain conditions.
• Manufacturer Defects: Manufacturing defects occur when a product is properly designed but is made incorrectly. These defects can result in errors during the manufacturing process, substandard materials, or quality control failures. Examples include faulty welds in a vehicle’s frame, tires manufactured with weak sidewalls that lead to blowouts, or airbags installed improperly.
• Marketing Defects/Failure to Warn: This includes a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions regarding the safe use of a product. Vehicle manufacturers and sellers must provide sufficient warnings about potential dangers.

Examples of failure to warn include not warning consumers that a specific model has a risk of engine fires under certain conditions, a lack of instruction for installing a child’s car seat, or insufficient warnings regarding risks associated with defective ignition switches.

Proof Required for a Product Liability Case

In order for your case to be successful, you need a strong body of proof in your product liability claim. Making sure all your evidence is preserved and submitted within the required legal timelines is essential to protect your rights. This requires thorough evidence collection, as well as expert testimony.

Necessary proof can include:

• That the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer
• That the product was defective by design
• That the defect was directly responsible for causing the injury
• That the injury resulted in measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering

It’s important to preserve the defective vehicle or auto part as evidence. Avoid making repairs or modifications to the vehicle or component, and store the defective part in a secure location. Take photographs of the vehicle or defective part. Be sure to contact an Alpharetta product liability attorney lawyer as soon as possible after the incident. Stephen LaBriola can work with experts to analyze the defective vehicle or part and build a compelling case on your behalf.

How an Auto Product Recall Affects Your Claim

Auto manufacturers or suppliers may be aware of the defect and issue a recall. A recall involves a notice that there have been complaints about the safety of the vehicle or part and that the repairs must be made or parts replaced before the car is driven.

Recalls are often initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which auto manufacturers relay to vehicle owners.

Manufacturers can be held liable for auto defects, regardless of whether a recall was issued or not. However, a recall is a strong indicator that the auto part was defective. If the manufacturer fails to warn consumers that the recall was issued, you might be able to include a claim for punitive damages.

The Need for an Experienced Alpharetta Product Liability Lawyer

Product liability cases can be complex and require extensive investigation, expert analysis, and legal experience. If you’ve experienced injuries as a result of a defective vehicle or component, you need an experienced attorney on your side to handle the legal complexities.

Stephen LaBriola offers extensive knowledge of Georgia vehicle product liability law. His approach includes gathering strong evidence, consulting with automotive and engineering experts for testimonies, and using aggressive litigation tactics to fight for justice for his clients.

Compensation for a Vehicle-Related Product Liability Settlement

The compensation you can recover from a vehicle-related product liability settlement varies based on many factors surrounding the incident, including the severity of the injuries, long-term impact, and the extent of negligence involved. Some of the economic damages you can recover include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damages
• Lost income
• Rehabilitation
• Vehicle repairs

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the manufacturer for gross negligence.

Contact an Alpharetta Product Liability Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured as a result of a defective vehicle or auto part, you need the help of an experienced product liability lawyer. Stephen LaBriola is dedicated to protecting consumer rights and holding negligent manufacturers accountable.

Time is of the essence in product liability cases, as crucial evidence can be lost, and legal deadlines may apply. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you navigate your vehicle-product liability claim.