Every day, people in Tallahassee use products they trust, whether it’s a car, a kitchen appliance, a child’s toy, or a prescription medication. But what happens when one of those products fails and causes serious harm? From burns and broken bones to long-term health complications, defective products can leave a lasting impact. The good news is, if you or someone you love has been injured by a faulty or dangerous product, you may have legal grounds to sue.
Let’s explore how product liability works in Tallahassee, when you can sue, and how to take action with confidence and clarity.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers to ensure that their products are safe for consumers. When a product is poorly designed, defectively manufactured, or lacks proper warnings, and someone is hurt as a result, the injured person may be able to file a product liability claim.
Unlike other personal injury claims, product liability doesn’t always require you to prove negligence. If the product was defective and caused injury during normal use, that may be enough to bring a case forward.
Types of Product Defects
There are three main types of defects that can lead to a product liability case in Tallahassee:
- Design Defects – These are flaws in the way the product was originally planned or engineered, making it inherently unsafe even if it’s used correctly.
- Manufacturing Defects – These occur during the production process, causing a batch, or even just one item, to be dangerous because of faulty materials or assembly errors.
- Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn) – This involves products that come without adequate instructions, safety warnings, or labels to alert consumers of potential risks.
Whether your injury was caused by a defective car part, an unsafe drug, or a hazardous household item, a trusted Tallahassee product liability attorney can help determine where the fault lies and who should be held accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Product liability cases in Tallahassee often involve multiple responsible parties, including:
- The product manufacturer
- A parts supplier
- The company that assembled the product
- The wholesaler or distributor
- The retail store where the product was purchased
Your attorney will work to identify all parties involved and determine which ones can be included in your claim.
When Can You Sue?
You can sue for product liability if:
- You were injured while using the product as intended
- The product was defective and unreasonably dangerous
- The defect directly caused your injury
- You suffered real damages, like medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering
Importantly, you don’t need to be the person who purchased the product. If you were injured by someone else’s defective item, you may still have a case.
What Can You Recover?
Product liability claims can provide compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- In severe cases, wrongful death or funeral costs
In some instances, courts may also award punitive damages to punish manufacturers for especially reckless behavior and prevent similar harm to others.
Steps to Take After a Product-Related Injury
1. Get Medical Help
Your health is the top priority. Get treated immediately and keep all medical records, bills, and diagnoses.
2. Preserve the Product
If possible, don’t throw the product away. Store it safely and take photos of the product, packaging, and any visible damage or defects.
3. Document the Scene
Take detailed notes and photographs of the accident scene. Was there a warning label? Were there any instructions? Did the product malfunction during normal use?
4. Don’t Deal With the Company Alone
Avoid giving statements to the product’s manufacturer or insurance company. Their goal is to limit their liability, not protect your rights.
5. Speak With an Attorney
A skilled attorney can evaluate your situation, gather expert opinions, and build a strong case on your behalf. At Joya Injury Law, the team has the experience and compassion to stand up to big manufacturers, and they do it with one goal: protecting you and your future.
Why Time Matters
Florida law gives you a limited window to file a product liability lawsuit, generally two years from the date of injury. However, the sooner you take action, the easier it is to gather critical evidence and connect the injury directly to the product.
Don’t wait until the deadline is looming. Acting early gives your attorney the best chance to secure the compensation you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you absolutely can sue for product liability in Tallahassee. Whether your injury came from a defective appliance, a dangerous prescription drug, or a faulty consumer product, the law is on your side. These cases can be complex, but with the right legal guidance, you can hold manufacturers accountable and find a path forward.
If you believe you have a case, don’t hesitate. Reach out to a knowledgeable product liability lawyer in Tallahassee who will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for your rights, every step of the way.