Chicago Product Liability Lawyer

Suffering an injury from a defective product can be life-altering, leaving you overwhelmed, in pain, and searching for answers. At Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may be facing during this difficult time.

When a product you trust causes harm due to a defect or lack of proper warnings, you deserve justice and accountability. Our experienced Chicago product liability attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way, working tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Contact our Chicago injury law firm today at (312) 586-1700 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Why Choose Our Chicago Product Liability Attorneys to Help You?

When you’ve been injured by a defective product, you deserve a product liability lawyer who will fight for your rights and guide you with compassion during this challenging time. Here’s why our Chicago law firm is the right choice for your product liability case:

• Proven results: We have a strong track record of securing multimillion-dollar settlements for injured individuals across Chicago and the state of Illinois.
• Relentless advocacy: Our team is prepared to take your case to trial if needed, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
• Client-centered approach: We understand the physical and emotional toll of injuries, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
• No win, no fee: Our product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

Let our product liability lawyers in Chicago stand by your side and hold negligent companies accountable. Contact Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC today to discuss your case.

Our Case Results

Our past successes reflect our dedication to holding negligent companies accountable and obtaining fair compensation for those harmed by defective products.

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• What Is a Product Liability Claim?
• Common Examples of Product Liability Cases in Chicago
• How Much Is My Product Liability Claim Worth?
• Potential Compensation for Victims Injured by a Defective Product in Chicago
• How Long Do You Have to File a Product Liability Lawsuit in Chicago?
• Who Can Be Held Responsible For a Defective Product?
• Understanding the Three Main Types of Product Defects
• How Does Strict Liability Protect Injured Consumers in Illinois?
• Contact Our Chicago Product Liability Lawyer Today
• Frequently Asked Questions About Product Liability

What Is a Product Liability Claim?

A product liability claim arises when a defective or dangerous product causes injury or harm to a consumer. These claims hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for releasing products that are improperly designed, poorly manufactured, or lack adequate warnings. If a product’s defect directly leads to an injury, victims may pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

Common Examples of Product Liability Cases in Chicago

Defective products can cause serious, even life-altering injuries, often when people are simply going about their daily routines or doing their jobs. Whether at home, on the road, or at work, consumers have the right to expect that the products they use are safe. When they’re not, our skilled Chicago product liability attorneys can help you pursue accountability and compensation for what you’ve lost.

Examples of situations that could lead to a product liability claim can include:

• A vehicle with a defective airbag or braking system that leads to an auto accident in Chicago and causes serious injury.
• A piece of industrial equipment that malfunctions on the job, resulting in a serious workplace accident or fatal injury in Chicago.
• Kitchen or other household appliances that overheat or catch fire due to faulty wiring, causing burns or property damage
• A child’s toy with small, unlabeled parts that pose a choking hazard
• Prescription drugs that cause undisclosed or dangerous side effects, leading to long-term health complications
• Power tools sold without proper safety guards or warnings, putting users at risk of severe lacerations or electrocution
• Contaminated food or drinks that result in serious illness or hospitalization

If you’ve been injured by a product you believe was unsafe or defective, a defective product attorney in Chicago can help you determine whether you have a case and guide you through your legal options.

How Much Is My Product Liability Claim Worth?

The value of a product liability claim varies depending on several factors, and there is no fixed amount of compensation. Key factors that influence the total compensation include the severity of the injuries, the duration of recovery, and the associated medical costs.

Other considerations that affect compensation include shared fault in the incident, the limits of insurance policies, and the financial resources of the party responsible for the defect.

To ensure you receive fair compensation, it’s essential to work with a skilled Chicago product liability lawyer who can collaborate with medical and financial experts to accurately assess your total losses.

Potential Compensation for Victims Injured by a Defective Product in Chicago

If your product liability claim is successful, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. At Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC, your Chicago product liability attorney will work diligently to help victims recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages: These cover tangible financial losses and are easier to quantify. They can include compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages due to the inability to work
• Reduced earning capacity from long-term injury effects
• Costs for household services you can no longer perform
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for intangible losses that affect your quality of life, such as:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on relationships with family members)

Our goal is to help you secure compensation that addresses both the financial and emotional toll of your injury.

How Long Do You Have to File a Product Liability Lawsuit in Chicago?

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 you to reach out to a product liability attorney who can help them get their claim filed on time, both with insurance carriers and in the civil court system in Illinois.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For a Defective Product?

In product liability cases, multiple parties can be held accountable for injuries caused by defective products, including:

1. Manufacturers: This includes design manufacturers, component manufacturers (those who supply parts for the product), and finished goods manufacturers (those who assemble the final product). Each could be liable if their part in the process causes harm due to defects.
2. Distributors and Retailers: Even though they don’t design or manufacture products, distributors and retailers are responsible for ensuring the products they sell meet safety standards. They may be liable if defects result from mishandling, improper storage, or failure to inspect products properly.
3. Wholesalers and Suppliers: Wholesalers and suppliers must ensure the products they distribute are safe. If they are aware of defects or hazards and do not take appropriate action, they may be held liable for contributing to injuries caused by defective products.
4. Sellers and Resellers: If a seller knowingly sells a defective product or fails to provide adequate warnings, they can also be held accountable for any harm caused.

To win a product liability case, the injured party must prove that the product was defective and directly caused their injury. They must also demonstrate they used the product as intended or in a foreseeable way when the injury occurred.

Understanding the Three Main Types of Product Defects

Product liability claims typically fall under three different types of product defects:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

In response to these risks, product recalls have become a vital mechanism to mitigate harm and protect consumers. A product liability lawyer in Chicago can handle these intricate legal matters on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

How Does Strict Liability Protect Injured Consumers in Illinois?

In Illinois, product liability cases often operate under a principle called strict liability, which benefits consumers who are injured by defective products. Unlike most personal injury cases where you must prove that someone was negligent, strict liability focuses on whether the product itself was unreasonably dangerous.

This means you don’t need to prove that the company was careless or intended to harm you—just that the product was defective and caused your injury. Whether the product manufacturer or distributor took precautions or not, they can still be held accountable if their product is harmful.

Strict liability ensures that those responsible for bringing dangerous products to the market are held accountable, making it easier for you to seek the compensation you deserve without the added burden of proving negligence.

Contact Our Chicago Product Liability Lawyers 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 attorneys specialize in handling cases where consumers have been harmed by defective products, providing expertise and legal representation.

We offer free case reviews to assess the viability of your case and provide guidance on the legal options available to you. Please call an experienced Chicago product liability lawyer today at (312) 586-1700 or fill out our online contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Product Liability

What should I do immediately after being injured by a defective product?

First, seek medical attention to address your injuries. Preserve any evidence related to the product, such as photos, packaging, and receipts, and then contact a Chicago product liability attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

Do I need to keep the defective product?

Yes, retaining the product is important as it may serve as key evidence in your product liability case. Don’t attempt to repair or alter it, as this could affect your claim.

What types of evidence do I need to prove a product liability case?

Evidence may include the defective product itself, photographs of injuries or damage, medical records, receipts, and documentation of any warnings or instructions. Expert testimony may also be used to show the product’s defect and its role in causing the injury.

Can I file a product liability claim if I misused the product?

Potentially, but misusing the product may reduce your recovery depending on how it was used. Your product liability lawyer can help determine whether your case still has merit under Illinois law.

What’s the difference between a product recall and a product liability lawsuit?

A recall is issued by the product manufacturer to fix or remove unsafe products from the market. A product liability lawsuit is a legal claim seeking compensation for injuries caused by a defective product.

How long does a product liability case typically take in Chicago?

Case timelines vary depending on the complexity and severity of the injury. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while more complex claims can take one to two years or longer, especially if litigation is required.

Can I still recover damages if the product was purchased a long time ago?

Possibly, but Illinois has a statute of limitations, generally two years from the date of injury. Your product liability attorney in Chicago can determine whether your claim is still timely.

Can a product liability case be settled without going to trial?

Yes, many product liability cases are resolved through negotiated settlements. Your Chicago product liability lawyer will advocate for fair compensation, but a trial may be necessary if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached.