When you purchase a product, you trust that it will function safely and as intended. However, defective or dangerous products can cause serious injuries or even death. If a faulty product has harmed you or a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation under product liability law.
At Regan Zambri Long, our experienced Alexandria, VA product liability lawyers are dedicated to holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for the harm their products cause. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
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In Alexandria, Virginia, product liability cases are subject to strict legal timelines that can significantly impact a victim’s right to seek compensation. Under Virginia law (VA. Code § 8.01-243(A) and § 8.01-230), product liability lawsuits must typically be filed within two years of the injury occurrence, not its discovery. This “right of action” concept in Virginia is unique, as it stipulates that a legal claim only comes into existence when an actual injury occurs. Unlike many states, Virginia generally does not follow the “discovery rule,” meaning the two-year statute of limitations begins at the time of injury, regardless of when the plaintiff becomes aware of the injury or its cause.
This approach can lead to challenging situations, particularly in cases where injuries or their links to defective products aren’t immediately apparent. There are, however, exceptions for specific cases such as asbestos exposure, breast implants, and certain medical devices, where the right of action may begin at the time of discovery or diagnosis. Given these complexities and potentially grim outcomes, Alexandria residents affected by defective products must seek experienced legal counsel promptly. Understanding when the right of action accrues is essential to ensure claims are filed within the required timeframe, protecting the victim’s right to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Call Regan Zambri Long for help with your product liability case today.
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. In Virginia, product liability claims are typically based on three main theories:
In Alexandria, product liability claims are typically governed by strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty. Under strict liability, a manufacturer or seller can be held responsible for injuries caused by a defective product, regardless of whether they were negligent. On the other hand, negligence claims require proving that the manufacturer or seller failed to exercise reasonable care in the product’s design, production, or marketing. Breach of warranty claims arises when a product fails to meet the terms of its express or implied warranty.
An Alexandria product liability attorney can determine which theory of liability applies in your case.
Product defects generally fall into three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects. Each type of defect can lead to serious injuries and hold different parties in the production and distribution chain liable.
A design defect occurs when a product’s inherent design is unsafe, making it dangerous for consumers even if it is manufactured correctly.
Manufacturing defects occur when a product is improperly constructed or assembled, deviating from the intended design and making it dangerous. These defects typically affect only a specific batch of products, not the entire line.
Marketing defects, also known as failure to warn or labeling defects, occur when a product lacks adequate warnings or instructions regarding its proper use and potential risks. This type of defect arises when a product is dangerous in a way that isn’t obvious to the user and the manufacturer fails to provide sufficient warnings or instructions.
Defective products come in many forms and can cause serious injuries across a wide range of industries. Defective products can have devastating consequences, whether it’s a malfunctioning household item or a faulty piece of heavy machinery. It’s important to have a personal injury lawyer in Alexandria, VA, who is prepared to go up against significant manufacturing companies.
Consumer products are items we use daily, from household appliances to children’s toys. When these products are defective, they can cause significant harm, including burns, cuts, and even life-threatening injuries. Examples include defective electronic appliances that cause electrical fires, children’s toys with choking hazards, or furniture that collapses unexpectedly.
Defective auto parts can lead to serious car accidents, putting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk. These cases often involve complex investigations to determine whether a specific part was responsible for an accident. Examples include faulty airbags that fail to deploy or deploy unexpectedly, defective brakes that fail under pressure, or tires prone to blowouts.
Medications and drugs are supposed to improve our health, but when they are defective or improperly labeled, they can cause serious harm. Defective drug cases often involve complex medical and scientific evidence to prove that a drug was unsafe. Examples include prescription drugs with undisclosed side effects, contaminated medications, or over-the-counter drugs that interact dangerously with other common medications.
Defective medical devices can lead to additional surgeries, long-term disability, or even death. Examples of devices that can lead to product liability cases include pacemakers that fail to regulate heartbeats, hip implants that break down prematurely, or surgical tools that malfunction during procedures.
Defective heavy equipment can lead to catastrophic injuries, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and industrial settings. These cases often involve complex machinery, making it crucial to have an experienced attorney who understands both the legal and technical aspects of the case. Examples may include construction equipment with faulty safety mechanisms, industrial machines that malfunction and cause crushing injuries, or defective forklifts that tip over during use.
Victims of defective products may suffer significant physical, emotional, and financial harm. When a product causes injury due to a defect, those responsible can be held liable, and the victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These may include medical bills and rehabilitation costs, lost wages and lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Types of compensation typically awarded to victims of defective products in Alexandria, Virginia:
Remember, the specific compensation awarded depends on the individual case circumstances and the extent of damages suffered by the victim.
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Yes, you can still sue even if the product that caused your injury was recalled.
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a product liability lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years from the time you were injured to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the defective product.
At Regan Zambri Long, we understand the financial strain that an injury can place on you and your family. That’s why our law firm offers our legal services on a contingency fee basis for product liability cases. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Our personal injury attorney only gets paid if we win your case.
Regan Zambri Long has a proven track record of securing substantial compensation in product liability cases. Notable successes include a $14 million confidential settlement for a significant defective product injury, a $10 million case against a car manufacturer, and a $5.5 million settlement for victims of a defective portable electric space heater. The firm’s expertise is further demonstrated by a $3.8 million settlement for a child injured by a defective home appliance, which led to the development of a new warning label patented by Senior Partner Victor Long. Other significant outcomes include a $5 million settlement for a defective product victim and $2.3 million for a teenager injured due to defective seatbelts. These cases highlight Regan Zambri Long’s commitment to holding manufacturers accountable and securing justice for those harmed by dangerous products.
If a defective product has injured you or a loved one, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible.
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a team of dedicated advocates who will stand by your side every step of the way. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a serious injury can take, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable for their negligence.
Let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Take the first step toward justice with a free consultation.