Product Liability Attorney in Corpus Christi

Dependable Representation for Defective Product Injuries

When you buy a product, you trust that it’s been designed and manufactured safely. Unfortunately, defective products injure consumers every day, from faulty auto parts and unsafe household items to dangerous drugs and medical devices. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a defective product, Perkins & Perkins is here to help you pursue justice and full compensation for your losses.

Defending Victims of Defective Products in Corpus Christi

Most products function safely, but when defects are present, the consequences can be severe. A defective product is one that creates unreasonable danger due to flawed design, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings. Texas law imposes strict liability in products cases, meaning manufacturers and sellers can be held responsible for harm caused, even without negligence or intent. If you’ve been injured by a dangerous or defective product, you may have a valid product liability claim allowing you to pursue compensation.

Free Consultation for Your Product Liability Case

At Perkins & Perkins, our trial lawyers have a proven record of success in personal injury and product liability cases, including a $18.1 million verdict in 2022, which was the largest construction injury verdict in Texas that year. Our firm has also recovered substantial settlements on behalf of injured clients as a result of defective products. We offer complimentary consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let our experience and dedication help you hold negligent companies accountable and move forward with confidence.

Crucial Information About Product Liability

A defective product is any item that fails to work safely or as intended because of a flaw in its design, manufacturing, or labeling. Legally, a product is considered defective if it poses an unreasonable risk of harm when used correctly or in a predictable way. These defects may involve not only the product itself but also its instructions, warnings, or marketing.

Most Common Types of Product Defects

Defective products generally fall into three main categories:
Design Defects
The product’s design is inherently unsafe, even when properly made. For example, a vehicle prone to rollovers due to poor weight distribution.
Manufacturing Defects
Errors occur during production, causing the product to deviate from its intended design, such as the use of contaminated materials or improper assembly.
Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn)
The manufacturer fails to provide proper instructions or warnings about potential dangers, such as a medication label that omits serious side effects.

Important Deadlines for Defective Product Claims in Texas

If you believe a defective product caused your injury, it’s crucial to act quickly. Texas law sets strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit, and missing them can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Statute of Limitations:

General Deadline
You typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a product liability lawsuit.
Discovery Rule
If the defect or injury wasn’t immediately known, the clock may start when it’s discovered, or when it reasonably should have been discovered.
Exceptions
Special circumstances, such as cases involving children or fraud, may result in an extension of this deadline.

Statute of Repose:

Regardless of when an injury occurs, Texas law limits product liability cases to 15 years from the date the product was first sold or leased in the state. This ensures manufacturers aren’t exposed to indefinite liability for older products.

Compensation You May Receive for Defective Product Injuries in Corpus Christi

If a defective or dangerous product has injured you, Texas law allows you to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you’ve suffered. The goal is to help you recover from your losses and hold negligent manufacturers accountable for their actions. Common types of compensation include:

Medical Expenses
Coverage for past, current, and future medical care, including hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
Reimbursement for income lost during your recovery and for any long-term reduction in your earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
Disfigurement
Financial recovery for permanent scarring, burns, or other lasting physical changes that affect your quality of life.
Property Damage
Payment for any personal property damaged by the defective product.
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence or willful misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the manufacturer and discourage future wrongdoing.

Defective Product FAQs

What should I do right after being injured by a defective product?

Stop using the product immediately and keep it in the same condition it was in when the injury occurred. Take photos of the product, your injuries, and the scene, and gather receipts or packaging. These steps preserve crucial evidence your attorney will need to build your case. It is imperative that you preserve the product, as many product cases require the product to be preserved in the same condition as it was used.

Who can be held responsible for a defective product?

Multiple parties may share liability, including the manufacturer, distributor, supplier, or retailer. Anyone involved in the design, production, or sale of the defective product could be held accountable depending on where the defect occurred.

Can I still file a claim if I didn’t buy the product myself?

Yes. Even if you were using, borrowing, or were simply near the defective product when injured, you may still have a valid claim. Product liability laws protect anyone harmed by a defective item, not just the purchaser.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

You may still recover compensation, depending on your level of fault. Texas follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your damages can be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still win if you were less than 50% responsible.

How long do I have to file a product liability claim in Texas?

Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, though exceptions may apply if the defect or injury wasn’t immediately discovered. Speaking with an attorney quickly helps protect your right to compensation.

What types of compensation can I recover in a defective product case?

Victims may be entitled to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the manufacturer acted recklessly or ignored known risks.

Do I need an expert witness for a defective product case?

Often, yes. Expert testimony helps explain how the product was defective and how it caused your injury. At Perkins & Perkins, we regularly work with engineers, safety specialists, and medical experts to strengthen our clients’ cases.