Houston Product Liability Attorney

Holding Manufacturers Accountable for Dangerous Products

Safety regulations are supposed to protect us from dangerous products. Far too often, however, dangerous and defective medical devices and drugs end up used during surgery and prescribed to patients every day. Unsuspecting patients become the victims of devices and drugs that should not be on the market.

Our legal system provides an avenue for the injured to hold manufacturers accountable. Through litigation, the injured can seek compensation for their damages and help to ensure that these dangerous products do not hurt others.

Dangerous Products on the Market

Chelsie King Garza takes cases for victims of product liability. She has the experience and knowledge to investigate defective products including:

Holding Employers & Business Owners Accountable for Dangerous Conditions

Houston is the hub of major industrial operations. Houston has petrochemical plants, refineries, power plants, and manufacturing facilities. As the Houston industry expands, both residential and commercial construction increases. With all of this industry comes workplace injuries.

Workplace accidents and premises liability accidents can be the result of dangerous conditions, failure to provide the necessary safety equipment, or failing to train employees. Workplace accidents can cause significant harm to workers. After an on the job injury, your focus should be on getting the care you need to get back to work.

Dangerous conditions can exist outside of the workplace. Premises owners have a responsibility to invited guests to correct or warn of known dangers. When that duty is neglected business patrons and guest can be injured. We often hear about slip and fall cases. However, premises liability includes a broader range of cases. People walking on the sidewalk can be injured by falling debris from a construction site. So to, business patrons can be injured by faulty stairs.

Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Cases in Texas

The moment you’re injured due to a product defect, a timer starts running. With every minute, you’ll have a shrinking window of opportunity to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault parties. While deadlines for such cases vary across the country, in Texas, you will have just two years to take legal action.

However, there are a few exceptions, namely, this deadline may be extended if it can be shown that you were unaware that your injuries were caused by the defective product. In such situations, the clock will only start ticking from the moment you “discovered” this connection, or would’ve been made aware of the defendant’s negligence had you exercised reasonable diligence.

While two years may seem like a long time, preparing a product liability lawsuit can take months. Not only may your attorney need to gather evidence, request documentation, consult with expert witnesses, and identify the liable parties, but legal proceedings themselves require a considerable investment of time, energy, and resources. As such, many lawyers will not take on a new case if there isn’t enough time to negotiate a settlement or prepare for litigation and trial.

Common Damages in a Product Liability Case

Every year, throughout the country, defective and faulty products such as tools, personal care items, toys, and electronics cause life-altering injuries. If you suffered an injury or illness caused by a defective product, the company responsible for manufacturing it may be liable for the losses you incurred. As such, you might be wondering how much your case is worth and which damages could be factored into the potential recovery.

Chelsie King Garza is a product liability attorney who has overseen a wide variety of personal injury cases. She can assess your situation and help gather the necessary evidence to determine which damages might be available in your case.

Let’s take a look at a few types of damages commonly available to personal injury victims:

Medical Expenses: This category can encompass any bills from a hospital, doctor, physical therapist, pharmacy, and any other healthcare provider involved in your treatment. If your injuries require long-term medical care, you may also be able to seek compensation for medical expenses you’re likely to incur in the future.

Cost of Disability: If your injury has drastically altered your lifestyle, you may have to invest in home modifications and additional services to accommodate limitations stemming from your condition. Fortunately, these expenses may be recoverable. For instance, if you needed to hire someone to look after your children or had to renovate your home to accommodate a disability, these costs could be included as part of your claim.

Loss of Earnings: If you could not work due to your injuries, you might be able to seek compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your condition will make it difficult—or impossible—to earn a living in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity.

Property Loss: If a product defect caused damage to your personal property, you may be able to recover compensation for the cost of replacement or repairs.

Pain and Suffering: If you experienced pain due to your injuries, your condition makes it difficult for you to enjoy life, or you’ve experienced emotional distress as a direct result of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering.

Loss of Consortium: If your injury has had a negative effect on your relationship with a spouse or partner, you may be able to recover compensation for loss of consortium. These damages can include the loss of emotional support, affection, companionship, and sexual relations. Unlike the other damages listed here, your spouse may also file a claim—singly or jointly—for such losses.

Speak with a Houston Product Liability Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous product or condition, you may need the help of an attorney to get back on your feet. The process of investigating the parties responsible for maintaining a premise or for manufacturing a product can be complicated. Chelsie King Garza can help you navigate the litigation process and hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today or call for your free consultation, 713-893-8808