Everyone knows that the law can be used to help victims of things like burglary and crime or to resolve disputes such as divorce or child custody, but some people might not know that legal protection extends to defective products as well. For example, if your water heater overheats and catches fire, it can deal significant damage to your house and property. You might just write this off as a freak accident, but if the water heater is poorly designed, you could be compensated for the damages.
Defective products can come in all shapes and sizes, from small appliances to even large automobiles. One such case of product liability was brought about after General Motors Co. recalled more than 2.5 million of their Chevrolet Cobalts and other cars in response to faulty ignition switches. It was discovered that the ignition switch suffered from a defect which could cause power to be cut and air bags to be deactivated. The faulty switches have played a part in at least 13 deaths.
Many lawsuits have since been filed against GM, and they hope to have the countrywide lawsuits consolidated in a Manhattan court. New York residents should be aware of the dangers associated with the different cars, and take necessary precautions if they drive one.
The legal protections against defective products extend beyond appliances and automobiles. Any product that can be proved to cause injury based on its design, or a product for which ample warning of potential dangers is not provided has the potential to be grounds for a product liability case. While it’s very difficult to tell whether or not you’ve actually got a case regarding your product, speaking with a New York attorney can offer insight into the process and start you on a road that may lead you to compensation.
Source: Automotive News, “Location of GM ignition suit litigation to be decided by U.S. panel,” May 29, 2014