If you have been injured by a defective product, you may have the right to file a product liability claim. Whether it is a faulty car part, a dangerous medication, or a malfunctioning household appliance, the law gives consumers legal options to seek compensation. Understanding how product liability works in Texas can help you protect your rights and take the first step toward recovery. For help filing a product liability claim in Katy, speak with a defective products attorney today.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of companies involved in the design, production, or sale of consumer goods. A product can be considered defective in three main ways: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects.
A manufacturing defect means something went wrong while the product was being made, resulting in the item being unsafe. A marketing defect usually involves failure to provide proper warnings or instructions, which can lead to misuse or injury. A design defect means the product is unsafe from the start because of the way it was planned or engineered, even if it is made and used correctly.
If a car’s airbags fail to deploy because of a design flaw, that may qualify as a design defect. If a specific batch of prescription drugs is contaminated during production, that is considered a manufacturing defect. If a cleaning product causes a chemical burn injury because the label did not include safety instructions, that is a marketing defect. In all of these cases, the injured person may be able to file a Katy product liability claim.
Proving a Product Liability Case
To successfully bring a product liability claim in Katy, you need to show that the product was defective and that the defect directly caused your injury. In most cases, you do not need to prove negligence—you only need to prove that the product was unreasonably dangerous when used as intended. However, you will need evidence to support your claim. This may include the defective item itself, photos or videos of the incident, medical records, witness statements, and expert analysis.
In some cases, multiple parties may be held liable. For example, if a product was designed by one company, manufactured by another, and sold by a third, you may have grounds to sue each of them depending on their role in the defect.
How Long Do I Have To File?
In Katy, there is a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including product liability. There is also a 15-year statute of repose, which limits the timeframe in which you can file a claim from the date the product was first sold, even if the injury occurred more recently. Exceptions may apply in certain cases, especially if the manufacturer provided an express warranty for a longer period.
Because these deadlines are strict, it is important to act quickly. Waiting too long could prevent you from filing a claim altogether.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If your product liability claim is successful, you may be eligible to recover compensation for a wide range of damages in Katy. These can include:
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages, which are designed to punish the company and deter similar behavior in the future.
The exact amount you can recover depends on the specifics of your case—how severe your injuries are, how much time you have had to take off work, and how clearly the defect can be proven. A skilled attorney could help you evaluate your claim and estimate its potential value.
Seek Legal Counsel To File a Defective Product Claim in Katy
Product liability cases can be complex, especially when large companies and insurers are involved. If you have been hurt by a dangerous or defective product, consider speaking with a lawyer who has experience handling these kinds of claims. An attorney could help investigate the defect, gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Filing a product liability claim in Katy is not just about getting compensation—it is also about holding companies accountable and preventing future harm to others. Reach out to us today.