When a defective or unsafe product causes harm to you or a loved one, the consequences can be far-reaching. New York Product Liability Lawyer services can play a key role in holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for producing or selling unsafe goods.
Whether a defective design, problems during manufacturing, or insufficient safety warnings led to your injury, you deserve justice. The law in New York allows victims to seek compensation for their damages and sends a clear message to companies that consumer safety must always come first.
If you've suffered from a product-related injury in New York City or its surrounding areas such as Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester, or Nassau County, this page explains everything you need to know.
From understanding product liability law to evaluating your options, we're here to help guide you toward recovery.
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Table of Contents
- What Is Product Liability and How Does It Work?
- Who Can Be Held Liable?
- The Most Common Types of Product-Related Injuries
- Compensation You May Be Eligible For
- What to Do While Healing from a Product-Related Injury
- Why Choose Queller Fisher as Your New York Product Liability Lawyer
- How Long Do Product Liability Cases Take?
- Frequently Asked Questions About New York Product Liability Lawyers
- Book Your Free Consultation Today
What Is Product Liability and How Does It Work?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibilities of manufacturers, sellers, and others in the supply chain to ensure that their products are safe for use. When companies fail to meet those responsibilities, consumers who suffer harm can pursue legal claims to hold them accountable.
The Three Types of Product Liability Claims
There are three main categories of product-related claims:
- Defective Design
These cases arise when a product’s design is inherently unsafe, even if it was manufactured correctly. An unstable ladder or an appliance prone to overheating and causing fires are examples of defective designs. - Manufacturing Defects
A manufacturing issue occurs when a properly designed product becomes dangerous due to errors during production. For example, a car with faulty brakes caused by improper assembly is considered a manufacturing defect. - Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects)
Products that lack adequate instructions or safety warnings can cause harm. Common examples include medications that fail to disclose dangerous side effects or cleaning products without clear hazard labels.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Responsibility for product safety lies not just with the manufacturer but with anyone involved in getting the product to consumers, including:
- Designers
- Distributors
- Retailers
- Component-part manufacturers
Each party in the supply chain may share liability if their actions contributed to making or selling defective goods that resulted in injury.
The Most Common Types of Product-Related Injuries
Product liability claims cover a broad range of incidents and industries. Some of the most frequent types of defective products include:
- Medical Devices: Products like implants or surgical tools that fail and cause additional health complications.
- Pharmaceuticals: Dangerous drugs with severe, undisclosed side effects or defective ingredients.
- Toys and Children’s Products: Items with choking hazards, toxic materials, or other hidden dangers.
- Automobile Parts: Cars with defective airbags, brakes, or tires leading to accidents and injuries.
- Household Appliances: Items prone to electrical fires, malfunction, or explosions.
These injuries often have devastating consequences, such as long-term disabilities, physical scars, or emotional hardship. Pursuing a product liability claim can help ease the financial strain and bring accountability to those responsible.
Compensation You May Be Eligible For
Victims of defective products in New York may pursue compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses
Reimbursement for emergency care, hospital stays, medications, surgeries, and ongoing treatment. - Lost Wages
Recovery of income lost due to time off work, as well as projected future earnings if you face long-term disability. - Pain and Suffering
A non-economic damage award for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. - Punitive Damages
If the defendant’s conduct was exceptionally reckless, punitive damages might be awarded to punish wrongdoing and deter similar actions.
What to Do While Healing from a Product-Related Injury
The aftermath of a product-related injury demands focus on recovery and ensuring that your legal rights are protected. Follow these steps to safeguard your well-being and case:
1. Preserve the Product and Its Packaging
Save the defective product and all related materials. This includes any instructions, warnings, and receipts from purchase. These items will serve as evidence to pinpoint the defect and demonstrate responsibility.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
No matter how minor your injury might appear, see a medical professional for evaluation. Proper documentation of your injuries is an essential part of building a successful claim.
3. Document the Incident
Write down as many details as you can about the injury, including the product’s condition, where it was purchased, and how it failed. Photos of the product, your injuries, and the circumstances surrounding the accident can also prove valuable.
4. Avoid Discussing Your Case Publicly
Refrain from posting about your injury or the product on social media. Any statements made online can potentially be used against you by defense lawyers or insurance companies.
5. Contact a Lawyer Early
Products liability cases can be complex, requiring careful investigation and an understanding of New York laws. The sooner you consult a lawyer, the better positioned you’ll be to pursue a fair and timely resolution.
Why Choose Queller Fisher as Your New York Product Liability Lawyer
Choosing the right legal advocates can make a difference in protecting your rights and recovering the compensation you deserve.
At Queller Fisher, we have a long-standing reputation for standing up against negligent corporations and securing substantial results for injured individuals.
Our Achievements Speak Volumes
- Over five decades of experience fighting for New Yorkers injured by defective products.
- Recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for accident and injury victims.
- A 93.4% client satisfaction rate, reflecting our commitment to achieving meaningful results for our clients.
Compassionate Representation with Proven Results
We understand product injury victims' challenges, including financial strain and physical recovery. Our attorneys ensure that clients receive personal attention, clear communication, and driven advocacy throughout their case.
Trailblazers in Personal Injury Law
Our firm has long been recognized as a leader in NYC personal injury law, with honors from Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers®, and Best Lawyers® in America. We handle even the most complex product liability claims with commitment, precision, and tenacity.
Serving All of New York and Surrounding Areas
From crowded stores in Brooklyn to online retailers serving Westchester, we represent clients across New York City counties, including Queens, the White Plains, Nassau, and Suffolk.
How Long Do Product Liability Cases Take?
Every case is unique, and the timeline for resolving a product liability lawsuit depends on various factors, such as the availability of evidence, the complexity of the design defect, and whether a settlement is negotiated before trial. While some cases resolve in months, others may take longer due to the investigative efforts required.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Product Liability Lawyers
1. Can I file a product liability claim for injuries caused by secondhand or used products?
Yes, in some cases, you can file a claim even if the item was purchased secondhand, though it may be more challenging to prove liability. Speak with a lawyer to determine if the original manufacturer or seller can still be held accountable.
2. What if a third-party seller sold the product that caused my injury online?
Online platforms and third-party sellers can complicate product liability claims. However, recent legal developments may allow you to hold the seller or even the online platform liable, depending on the circumstances of your case.
3. Can liability be shared between multiple parties for a single defective product?
Yes. Liability can be distributed among multiple parties, such as the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer, if their actions collectively contributed to the defect. Your attorney can help identify all responsible entities.
4. What if I used the product incorrectly or not as intended?
If the misuse was reasonable and the product lacked adequate warnings or instructions to prevent such use, you may still have a claim. The issue often revolves around whether the manufacturer anticipated potential misuse.
5. Does product liability law apply to injuries caused by food or beverages?
Yes. Contaminated or improperly labeled food or beverages fall under product liability law. Cases can include foodborne illness or injuries caused by foreign objects in the product.
6. Are there any time limits for reporting a defective product to the company?
While there’s no specific legal requirement to report defects within a set time frame, acting quickly strengthens your case. Document the defect and notify the company to build a record that supports your claim.
7. Can I pursue a claim if the defective product was manufactured outside the United States?
Yes, you can still file a claim for a foreign-made product if it was sold in the U.S. Manufacturers and importers are responsible for ensuring their products meet safety standards.
8. What role does product recall play in my legal case?
If the product that caused your injury was part of an official recall, it might strengthen your case. Your lawyer can use recall details to demonstrate the manufacturer’s awareness of the defect and their failure to ensure safety.
9. What happens if the product that injured me was altered or repaired by someone after purchase?
Alterations or repairs may complicate your case. Liability will likely depend on whether the modifications directly caused the defect or if the product was inherently unsafe regardless of those changes.
10. Can I recover compensation if the defective product was rented or leased rather than purchased?
Yes. If a rental or leased product caused your injuries, the company that supplied it, as well as the manufacturer, may be held responsible. These cases often involve ensuring all parties in the supply chain are investigated for liability.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Time is an essential factor in filing a product liability claim. New York law imposes strict deadlines for taking action, and waiting too long could prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys offer free consultations for product-related injury victims. We’ll help you understand your legal options, answer your questions, and outline the steps for seeking justice.
Call us today at (212) 406-1700 for assistance in New York City or (718) 892-0400 for the White Plains office. You can also fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation at your convenience.
We create a safer future for all consumers by holding negligent corporations accountable. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Choose Queller Fisher, and take the first step toward recovery and justice.
Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool - New York Office
233 Broadway #1800,
New York, NY 10279
Ph: (212) 406-1700