Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by a Defective Product Bought Online?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Personal Injury

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted people all over the world, including the United States. Over the course of the last year, we have adjusted to a new normal. In Illinois, many schools, offices, stores, restaurants, and bars temporarily closed to stop the spread of the virus. As a result, many people purchased gifts online this holiday season. Almost anything can be bought through online shopping, such as clothing, makeup, books, appliances, furniture, or electronics. Most manufacturers have quality control processes intended to identify manufacturing defects before their products are released to the public. However, mistakes made during this process can lead to defective goods being distributed to retailers and sold to unsuspecting consumers. In these situations, a user could be at risk of suffering a serious injury due to a flaw in design or production.

How a Faulty Product Can Harm Users

Since you can buy practically anything on the Internet these days, it can be difficult to determine the quality of these products if you cannot see them or try them in person. Although clothes cannot really cause you harm, other types of products can be dangerous if they do not work properly. For example, improper wiring may lead to an electronic or motorized toy or device to malfunction and catch fire, causing the individual who is using it to suffer first-, second-, or third-degree skin burns. Similarly, a faulty device could electrocute a person in some cases if it does not include adequate directions or warning labels. In other cases, missing or broken parts make them dangerous for users.

Some products possess design flaws that make them dangerous for consumers even when they are manufactured properly and used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. For instance, cell phones with batteries that ignite and explode, space heaters that catch fire, and tires with poor materials that make them lose traction. Some of the most serious injuries a consumer can suffer from using a faulty product include:

• Cuts/lacerations
• Bruises/contusions
• Electrocution
• Skin burns
• Sprains/strains

Product Liability Laws

Product liability refers to the laws related to manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers that make products for the public, and the fact that they are held responsible if those items cause injuries to consumers. In Illinois, there is a statute of limitations on product liability cases that cause an injury. It is two years from the date on which someone used the product. However, if any property was damaged as a result of using a defective product, the statute of limitations is five years.

An injured party can file a personal injury claim for damages suffered, including the following:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages

Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer

When you buy a product, you do not expect it to hurt you, but defects in the design or manufacturing process can cause you to be injured. If you or your loved one is suffering after using a faulty product, you will want to understand your legal options. With more than 10 years of legal experience, attorney Khaled Issa has proven success in obtaining compensation for personal injury victims. Our knowledgeable Orland Park, IL personal injury attorney will work tirelessly to determine the at-fault party and help you secure financial relief for your damages. To arrange a free consultation, call our office today at 708-966-2408.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2017&SeqStart=20700000&SeqEnd=21800000