A defective or dangerous product can cause serious injury or harm. Almost any type of consumer product can potentially cause an injury when it is defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed, or when appropriate warnings or instructions are missing.

Products involved in injury claims can include:

• Automobile components, such as seat belts and headrests;

• Children’s toys and playground equipment;

• Household appliances and electronics;

• Sporting goods;

• Cleaning products and chemicals; and

• Other consumer products.

The injuries caused by defective products can vary significantly depending on the product and the circumstances of the accident. They may include burns, cuts, bruises, strains, broken bones, poisoning, concussions, choking injuries, and other serious injuries, including death.

Product Liability Claims

A product liability claim may involve different legal theories depending on the circumstances, including negligence and breach of express or implied warranty. Virginia law provides that lack of direct contractual relationship between an injured person and a manufacturer or seller is not necessarily a defense to certain negligence or warranty claims involving goods when the person was someone the manufacturer or seller could reasonably have expected to use, consume, or be affected by the product.

Virginia’s Uniform Commercial Code also recognizes an implied warranty of merchantability for qualifying sales by merchants. Generally, merchantable goods must be fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used.

An implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose may also arise when a seller has reason to know the particular purpose for which a product is required and knows that the buyer is relying on the seller’s skill or judgment in selecting the product.

Whether a product is defective and whether a manufacturer, seller, or another party may be legally responsible depends on the facts of the case.

Injuries Caused by Defective Products

Product-related injuries can have lasting consequences for an injured person and their family. Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may face medical treatment, lost income, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other losses.

If you have been injured by a product, it is important to preserve the product and related evidence whenever possible. Product packaging, instructions, warnings, purchase records, photographs, medical records, and information about the circumstances of the injury may all be important to evaluating a claim.

Virginia generally requires personal-injury actions to be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues, although different rules and exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances.

Raheen Law Group Can Help You

Manufacturers, sellers, and insurance companies may have legal professionals working to protect their interests after a product-related injury. At Raheen Law Group, we can help evaluate the circumstances of your injury, identify potential claims, gather relevant evidence, and pursue compensation when another party may be legally responsible.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective or dangerous product, contact Raheen Law Group to discuss your situation and your legal options.