Defective products cause serious injuries throughout the Columbus area every year. These products could leave you or a loved one in need of medical care and with rising healthcare expenses.
You can address this situation proactively by working with a product liability lawyer serving Columbus. Our team at Bressman Law stands ready to take on your claim. We provide compassionate care and don’t consider any case too big or too small.
What You Should Know About Filing a Product Liability Claim in Ohio
Manufacturers and suppliers have an ethical and legal obligation to provide reasonably safe products. Even so, Ohio consumers are exposed to a number of dangerous and unsafe products each year.
You may have the right to pursue compensation if you can prove a product was directly tied to your recent illness or injury. These cases carry a substantial burden of proof, and there is a very brief period in which you can take action. However, a successful case may result in compensation to address your medical costs, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Read the overview below to gain a better understanding of your rights and whether it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a product liability attorney in Columbus, call (614) 538-1116
What Types of Products Can Be Included in a Claim?
Ohio’s product liability laws are covered under Ohio Revised Codes 2307. This statute defines a product as “any object, substance, mixture or raw material that constitutes tangible personal property.” It must be something that is “produced, manufactured or supplied for introduction into trade or commerce.”
Practically speaking, this can include a wide range of products such as:
- defective automotive parts (brakes, tires and so on);
- dangerous drugs (over-the-counter or prescription drugs);
- children’s toys or clothing;
- household products;
- electronics;
- furniture;
- food products; and
- more.
Your lawyer can clarify whether an item is covered under Ohio’s rather broad definition of “product.” Your lawyer will review the specific product involved in your injury and get to work immediately on building a claim to address your needs.
Columbus Product Liability Attorney (614) 538-1116
How Much Time Do I Have to File My Product Liability Claim?
The state’s statute of limitations is covered under Ohio Code 2305.10(A). This gives you a two-year time period after the point of injury in which to initiate a product liability action. You risk your right to financial recovery if you fail to meet this deadline.
Regardless of the time limits, it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer promptly. He or she can ensure you file your claim in accordance with Ohio’s laws. Meanwhile, your legal team also can locate and secure all applicable evidence and witnesses necessary to build a substantial case.
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Who Can Be Liable in a Claim?
Your claim may include any parties who were liable for the product’s defect and your subsequent injuries. Potential defendants may include the:
- designer;
- manufacturer;
- supplier;
- marketer (especially if it failed to include a suitable product warning or instructions);
- shipper; and
- retailer.
A product liability claim may include a number of defendants, including national or international corporations. Your claim or lawsuit must draw a direct connection between a party’s actions (or negligence) and your damages.
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Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Many victims choose to hire a product liability attorney because of the complexity of these cases. You should consider hiring a lawyer if:
- your injuries have forced you to miss work;
- you have medical bills totaling several thousand dollars or more;
- you have proof of your injuries and financial losses;
- you have suffered a residual or permanent injury; and/or
- you were in no way responsible for your injuries.
Working with a lawyer provides you with professional support. The company that produced the defective product will most likely work with a high-powered insurance company. You don’t have to face these forces on your own.
Individuals who work with a lawyer often feel more confident throughout their cases and may receive more compensation than individuals who try to handle everything on their own. Find out more about your options by reaching out to us.
Services Offered by Lawyers Serving Columbus, OH
Hiring a lawyer comes with numerous benefits after you sustain an injury due to a defective product. Members of our team provide comprehensive care throughout each step of your claim. We maintain open lines of communication, answering your questions while we:
Gather Evidence
Collecting evidence about what caused your accident allows us to build your claim. We may speak with witnesses, review your medical records, and go over other reports of problems with the product that caused your injury.
Monitor Your Losses
We understand the extensive losses you may face after an accident involving a defective product. Depending upon your situation, we may help you receive coverage for your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
We track all your expenses so we can seek appropriate compensation for your case.
Speak to Insurance Agents for You
You have the option to settle your claim after an injury caused by a defective product in Columbus. These situations require you to work with insurance agents, who may try to offer you an initial settlement to resolve your claim right away.
We recommend that you do not accept this kind of settlement offer. Insurance companies frequently offer low settlements at first, hoping you will accept so you cannot seek additional compensation in the future.
Allow us to review any offer you receive. We’ll go over the details and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. In many situations, lawyers resolve product liability claims by coming to an agreement with the insurance company on their client’s behalf.
Keep Your Claim on Track
You only have a limited period of time to seek compensation for a product liability claim in Columbus. The state uses a statute of limitations to dictate the time period you have to file your claim. We keep all these important dates in mind for you.
Start Working with a Product Liability Lawyer Serving Columbus
You may contact our offices to schedule a free consultation if you are prepared to learn more about your case. We are a premier personal injury and wrongful death law firm in Ohio, handling cases in and around the Columbus area.
Take proactive steps to address your legal needs with our team at Bressman Law.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form