Chicago Product Liability and Defective Product Lawyer

Illinois Products Liability law creates the greatest incentive for manufacturers and distributors of products to put safety in the forefront. We have seen the devastation that unreasonably dangerous products can cause and we are dedicated to providing the highest degree of professional service and counseling to our clients to guide them through this process and achieve the fairest possible remedy under the law. Speak with an experienced Chicago product liability attorney at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC today at (312) 586-1700.

Why Choose Us?

• At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we firmly believe in standing up for the rights of our clients when they have been harmed by the negligent actions of other companies.
• Our team has no problem fully preparing a claim for a trial by jury because we know the only way to help clients secure justice is to fight for them every step of the way.
• Our personal injury attorneys have an extensive track record of success, and we have recovered significant multimillion-dollar settlements on behalf of clients throughout Illinois.
• We handle Chicago product liability plans on a contingency fee basis. Clients will pay us no legal fees until after we successfully recover the compensation they are entitled to.

How Much Is Your Product Liability Claim Worth?

There’s no set amount of compensation paid to premises liability victims if their claim against a negligent party is successful. There are various factors that can influence the total compensation amount. Some of the overriding factors that go into calculating compensation include the severity of the injury (or injuries) and how long it takes a person to recover, as these will greatly affect medical bills related to the claim.

Other factors that can influence compensation amounts include whether or not there was any shared fault for the incident, monetary limits of insurance policies, and the overall asset picture of the at-fault party.

When working to recover fair compensation after a previous liability claim in Chicago, we encourage you to enlist assistance from an attorney who will seek assistance from trusted medical and financial experts to adequately calculate your total losses. The goal is to recover the compensation needed to make you “whole” so you can get back to living your life.

Product Liability Compensation for Victims in Chicago, IL

Product liability victims in Chicago and the surrounding areas may be able to recover various types of compensation if their claim is successful. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, our team works hard to help victims recover both economic and non-economic compensation for injury victims.

• Economic damages. These damages refer to tangible financial losses that have a specific monetary value. Economic damages seek to repay the injured party for out-of-pocket expenses and financial losses directly resulting from the injury. They are typically easier to quantify and may include compensation for:
  • Medical bills for both past and future treatments
  • Lost wages if the injury has impacted the victim’s ability to work
  • Diminished future earning capacity due to long-term effects of the injury
  • Any costs associated with necessary household services that the victim can no longer handle due to their injuries
  • Property damage compensation
• Non-economic damages. These damages cover intangible losses that do not have a direct financial value but significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. These damages are more subjective and can include compensation for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and loss of consortium, which relates to the negative impact on the victim’s relationships with their spouse, children, or family members due to the injury. Non-economic damages are designed to provide compensation for the physical and psychological suffering experienced as a result of the premises liability incident.

Time Limit for Filing a Product Liability Claim in Chicago

Every state sets specific statutes of limitation for personal injury claims that limit the amount of time victims have to file a lawsuit. In Illinois, this personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date an injury occurs. If a defective product victim does not file a lawsuit against an alleged negligent party within this specific time frame, they will likely lose the ability to recover any compensation at all.

We strongly encourage Chicago product liability victims to reach out to an attorney who can help them get their claim filed on time, both with insurance carriers and in the civil court system in Illinois.

Illinois Products Liability law

Illinois Products Liability law holds manufacturers and distributors of products responsible for injuries that occur due to improper design, improper manufacture and improper warning. Therefore while this body of law provides a remedy for people who are unfortunately injured as a result of unreasonably dangerous products, it is also a great incentive to get the people responsible for making and selling these products to start thinking properly about safety.

Analyzing who may be responsible for an injury caused by an unreasonably dangerous product takes a great deal of experience and knowledge in the area of Illinois Product Liability law. Any person or entity along the chain of distribution can be responsible.

Product liability claims in Illinois are typically considered strict liability cases. This is different from other personal injury lawsuits that you may be familiar with. In a typical personal injury lawsuit, the injury victim has to prove that the other party’s negligent behavior caused the injury. However, for injury cases involving defective products, the courts will not require the injury victim to prove that the defendant was negligent.

Instead, product liability claims will fall under the theory of strict liability. This means that it does not matter whether or not the defendant was negligent. What matters in these situations is that the defendant (whether that be a company, manufacturer, retailer, distributor, etc.) Sold or provided an unreasonably dangerous product.

In order to prevail with a product liability claim, the plaintiff will need to show the following:

• That there was a condition with the product design, manufacture, or labeling that made the product unreasonably dangerous.
• The dangerous condition existed at the time the product left the defendant’s control.
• The dangerous condition was the cause of the injury suffered by the plaintiff.

It will need to be shown that the defendant failed to disclose that the product had an unreasonably dangerous condition or that the manufacturer did not instruct the defendant about the proper use of the product if there was anything about the product that the average consumer would not be aware of.

Types of Product Liability Cases

As briefly mentioned above, product liability claims typically fall under three different types of defects:

• Improper design. This refers to any product that is designed in a way that can pose a risk to the safety of users. These types of flaws can occur in any type of product, including products we use around the house, foods and beverages, medications, appliances, vehicles, and more.
• Improper manufacture. This type of design flaw refers to products that are otherwise well-designed but experience problems during the manufacturing process that render them unsafe for use or consumption. Again, this can happen to any type of product that goes through a manufacturing process.
• Improper warning. Improper warnings refer to issues with advertising or the label of the product. Consumers should be well informed about the product they are using. These problems can arise when there are incomplete directions, missing warnings, incorrect ingredient lists, and more.

Product liability cases encompass a wide range of legal disputes arising from the use of defective products. Among the various types of cases, design defects stand out as a prominent concern, often leading to serious injuries such as broken bones. The prevalence of such incidents is evidenced by the many cases that have been filed, shedding light on the importance of consumer safety.

In response to these risks, product recalls have become a vital mechanism to mitigate harm and protect consumers. Medical devices, in particular, have been subject to scrutiny due to their potential to cause harm if they are defective or malfunction. Understanding the complexities and potential dangers associated with product liability cases is crucial for ensuring accountability, promoting safer products, and safeguarding the well-being of consumers.

Possible Liable Parties

In product liability cases, various parties along the chain of distribution might be held responsible for injuries caused by defective products. Here’s a look at who could be liable:

Manufacturers

The first potential liable party is the manufacturer, which includes:

• Design manufacturers. Those who are responsible for the product’s initial design. If the design is inherently flawed, causing harm, the design manufacturers could face liability.
• Component manufacturers. In cases where a product is made up of various parts supplied by different manufacturers, these component manufacturers might be held liable if their specific parts are found to be defective.
• Finished goods manufacturers. These entities assemble the final product from its components. If the assembled product is defective, causing harm, the manufacturer of the finished goods could be held responsible.

Distributors and Retailers

Distributors and retailers, although not involved in the manufacturing or design process, play a significant role in the product supply chain. They are responsible for ensuring that the products they sell or distribute meet safety standards. If a defect occurs due to mishandling, improper storage, or lack of quality checks during distribution, these entities might face liability for their negligence.

Wholesalers and Suppliers

Similar to distributors and retailers, wholesalers and suppliers must ensure the safety of the products they provide. If they are aware of defects or hazards associated with the products they supply and fail to take appropriate action, they could be held accountable for contributing to any injuries caused by the defective products.

Sellers and Resellers

Sellers and resellers of products can also be held liable if they knowingly sell a defective product without providing adequate warnings or instructions. They have a duty to offer accurate information about the products to assist consumers in making informed choices.

In proving a product liability case, the burden of proof typically rests on the injury victim. A plaintiff and their attorney must show that the product was defective and that this defect directly caused their injury. The plaintiff must also demonstrate they used the product as it was meant to be used or in a reasonably foreseeable manner when the injury occurred.

What Does a Contingency Fee Mean Exactly?

We handle claims on a contingency fee basis, which means we pay for all upfront and out-of-pocket expenses related to the claim. When we handle your claim on a contingency fee basis, you will not have to pay any legal fees until after we successfully recover the compensation you are entitled to. Additionally, in the event we do not win the case, you will not have to pay any legal fees at all. The total legal fees owed will be a previously agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement or jury verdict amount.

Contact a Product Liability Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries or damages due to a defective product, seeking the assistance of a skilled product liability lawyer in Chicago is essential. Product liability lawyers specialize in handling cases where consumers have been harmed by defective products, providing expertise and legal representation. We offer a free consultation to assess the viability of your case and provide guidance on the legal options available to you.

With extensive experience in navigating complex product liability laws, we will effectively advocate for your rights against manufacturers, distributors, or insurance companies. Whether the case involves a design defect in a consumer product or significant medical expenses resulting from the use of a faulty medical device, a competent Chicago product liability lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

The partners of the Chicago Law firm of Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, have more than decades of collective experience in handling cases of this nature. We strive to provide top-notch representation of consumers and working men and women who are forced to encounter or be exposed to hazardous and dangerous products in the course of their employment or in their every day lives.

If you have suffered serious injury as the result of the use or exposure to a hazardous product, the Chicago, IL product liability attorneys at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights. As our client, we are proud of the fact that a team of legal professionals and investigators who are dedicated to your cause will back you. Please call us today at (312) 586-1700 or contact us via email for a free, no-obligation consultation.