Statesboro Product Liability Lawyer

Every day, people in Statesboro and across Georgia use items that are meant to make life easier. These range from basic kitchen appliances to complex auto parts and even life-saving medications. Unfortunately, not every product on the shelf is safe. When something is rushed to market, improperly made, or sold without adequate warnings, it can lead to devastating injuries. If this has happened to you or someone you care about, it may be time to take legal action. The Merritt & Merritt Law Firm is here to help victims of unsafe consumer goods. You can reach us now at 912-764-3434 for a free consultation with a Statesboro product liability lawyer.

Georgia law allows people harmed by defective products to pursue compensation, but these cases can be difficult. You may be up against a large corporation that is more interested in protecting profits than admitting fault. That is why legal support is so important.

Types of Product Defects: Design, Manufacturing, and Marketing

Defective product cases in Georgia usually fall into one of three categories. These are the basic legal grounds for bringing a product liability claim, and they form the foundation for a strong case.

Design Defects involve a problem with how the product was originally intended to work. If the flaw is part of the blueprint, then every version of the product carries the same risk. For example, if a space heater is designed in a way that makes it overheat even when used properly, it would be considered defective by design.

Manufacturing Defects occur during production. In these cases, the product may have been designed safely, but something went wrong during the making of the item. A batch of food contaminated with dangerous bacteria, or a power tool assembled with faulty wiring, would fall under this category.

Marketing Defects are about how the product is presented to the public. If warnings are unclear, missing, or misleading, and someone is injured as a result, the company may be responsible. This can include poorly written instructions, failure to warn of specific risks, or false advertising about how the product should be used.

A Statesboro product liability lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm will carefully investigate which category your case fits into. In some instances, multiple types of defects are involved.

The Most Common Dangerous Products

Consumers have a right to expect that the products they purchase will not put them in harm’s way. When that trust is broken, the consequences can be serious. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we have handled a wide range of cases involving defective products. Some of the most common include:

• Faulty medical devices such as implants, surgical mesh, and pacemakers that fail after being placed inside a patient’s body
• Over-the-counter or prescription medications that were not properly tested or lacked adequate warning labels
• Vehicle defects involving tires, brakes, airbags, or fuel systems that lead to serious auto collisions
• Household appliances like stoves or water heaters that cause fires or electrical shocks
• Children’s toys made with toxic materials, loose parts, or dangerous designs that can injure or choke a child
• Power tools and industrial equipment that lack basic safety features or include defective components
• Chargers and batteries in phones, laptops, or other electronics that catch fire or explode

These are just some examples, and each case is different. If you are unsure whether your injury involves a defective product, a Statesboro product liability lawyer from our team can evaluate your situation.

Injuries from Household Items, Tools, and Auto Parts

The injuries caused by unsafe products can be both visible and invisible. Some require immediate hospitalization, while others lead to long-term complications that affect your daily life. In any case, when someone is hurt by a product they trusted, the harm is real.

People injured by defective products may experience:

• Severe burns from fires caused by faulty wiring or overheating batteries
• Lacerations and puncture wounds from broken or sharp components
• Broken bones due to a collapsing structure or mechanical failure
• Poisoning or internal damage from toxic materials or contaminated goods
• Long-term illness or organ failure from unsafe medications or substances
• Head injuries or paralysis caused by equipment that malfunctions during use

In addition to the physical harm, these injuries often come with deep emotional and financial strain. Many victims face hospital bills, missed work, and the need for ongoing care. That is why we take every case seriously and fight for full compensation.

How to File a Claim Against a Manufacturer or Distributor

Filing a product liability claim in Georgia requires more than just showing that you were injured. You must be able to prove that the product was defective, that the defect directly caused your injury, and that you were using the product in a way that was reasonable or foreseeable. This is not something most people can do alone.

The process generally includes:

1. Initial consultation and case review with a product liability attorney
2. Gathering evidence, including the product itself, packaging, purchase history, and any medical records
3. Working with experts, such as engineers, doctors, or safety analysts, to understand the defect and how it caused harm
4. Identifying all responsible parties, which may include the manufacturer, distributor, or even the retailer
5. Filing a formal claim or lawsuit in civil court within the appropriate time limits
6. Negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial if the company does not take

Holding Companies Accountable for Unsafe Consumer Goods

When a company places a product into the hands of consumers, it accepts a responsibility. If that product turns out to be dangerous, and someone gets hurt, the company should be held accountable. Unfortunately, many manufacturers and distributors are not quick to admit fault. They often have teams of lawyers whose job is to avoid blame and protect their financial interests.

It is not uncommon for corporations to:

• Deny that the product was defective
• Suggest the user caused the injury
• Claim the injury was not related to the product at all
• Point fingers at another company or supplier
• Delay or avoid communication with the injured person entirely

These tactics are frustrating and unfair. Our goal is to make sure you are not pushed aside or left to deal with the consequences alone. By building a strong case, we can push back against these defenses and pursue a fair result.

Legal Options for Victims of Defective Products

Every injury case is different, and the legal strategy depends on many factors, including the nature of the product, the severity of the injury, and the available evidence. Still, there are several potential legal options for those harmed by defective products.

These include:

Product Liability Lawsuits: This is the most direct route. You can file a civil lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or other responsible party. A successful claim may result in a financial settlement or a court award that covers your losses.

Class Action Lawsuits: In some cases, multiple people are harmed by the same product. If there is a widespread issue, a class action may be formed. This allows many injured consumers to bring a case together.

Negotiated Settlements: Often, these cases are resolved outside the courtroom. After a thorough investigation, we may be able to negotiate a settlement with the company’s legal team or insurance provider. This can speed up the process and avoid the stress of a trial.

Claims for Punitive Damages: If the company’s behavior was particularly reckless, you may be entitled to additional compensation meant to punish wrongdoing and deter future misconduct. These claims are more complex but worth pursuing in the right situations.

Whatever option is best for your situation, Merritt & Merritt Law Firm will guide you with honesty and clear communication.

Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Product Liability

Time is an important factor in any legal case. Georgia law places a limit on how long you have to file a product liability claim. In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to take legal action. Waiting longer than that can mean losing your right to seek compensation.

However, there are exceptions. Some injuries take time to become apparent. For example, if a person suffers internal harm from a defective drug, they may not know right away. In those cases, the clock may not start until the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Similarly, if the injured person is a minor, the time limits may be extended.

A Statesboro product liability lawyer can help you understand which deadlines apply to your case. Do not assume you are out of time without speaking to a professional. We have helped many clients meet important legal deadlines and keep their rights intact.

your claim, explain your legal options, and help you pursue full compensation.

Get the Legal Help You Deserve From a Statesboro Product Liability Lawyer

You should not have to suffer the consequences of a company’s carelessness. If a dangerous or defective product caused your injury, you have legal rights. A personal injury lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can help you understand those rights and take action. We offer free consultations and serve injury victims throughout Georgia. Let us help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve. Call us today at 912-764-3434 to speak directly with a member of our team.