Tampa Product Liability Lawyer

When you buy a product, you expect that it won't harm you if you use it properly. Usually, this expectation is met. However, there are times when it turns out to be very wrong. The product may have been designed poorly, manufactured wrongly, or have a problem as simple as mislabeling. Such problems can result in you suffering serious injury even if you followed all directions and took reasonable care in using the item. That's when it's time to go to a Fiol & Morros Law Group Tampa product liability lawyer. Here are some of the top tips about making a product liability claim:

Should You Call a Lawyer the Moment an Injury Happens?

No, the first thing to do when seriously injured is to seek medical attention. However, if you can, you should take some extra steps during this visit to the doctor, emergency room, or other health facility when you may need a Tampa product liability lawyer.

First, make sure to tell the health care provider exactly what happened, including which product was involved.

Then, make sure you get documentation for every aspect of your visit. This includes any cab or ambulance transportation, both to and from the facility. Any paid home caregivers should also be documented, along with their fees. Of course, get the facility's itemized cost statement, too. All of these costs can be included in any legal action against the product manufacturer, but they will have to be provable. Getting the documentation ensures that you have that proof.

After your initial treatment, you may have to go through rehab or otherwise incur financial loss, income loss, and a variety of types of suffering. Get documentation for anything that cost you money, and make records of your sufferings. These can also be included in legal action, and again, you'll need proof for the reimbursement part of your claim.

If you're not in a condition to demand documentation at the time of treatment, get the paperwork as soon as you recover enough to do so. You may find it helpful to get a relative or medical liaison to do this for you if you're facing an arduous recovery.

Keep Proof for a Tampa Product Liability Lawyer

One of the most important things when it comes to a Tampa product liability lawyer’s services to keep is the defective product. Even if it seems destroyed, it needs to be retained. This is very important for proving that the product was faulty.

Your attorney(s) will also investigate how you were using the product. It is important for them to be sure that you were using the item in a safe and reasonable way, so that this can be argued in court. Cooperating with this investigation is important for determining whether or not you're likely to win, and can save you a large amount of money and time.

Never Assume that You Can't Sue

Some manufacturers put disclaimers or other such language on their products. These blurbs claim that they have no or limited liability, or that you assume all risks. Don't believe them. Most jurisdictions do not allow manufacturers to so easily shirk their duty to produce safe products. Always talk to an attorney if you're injured by a product, no matter what its disclaimer says. The disclaimer may have no legal weight at all.

When Is a Manufacturer Liable Under Florida Law?

In Florida, a manufacturer is liable if a product is designed poorly, manufactured in a defective way, or did not come with the warning labels needed to advise you of safe operation. Some of these, such as product design and labeling, can take a longer time to prove than others. That's because the court may have to present a product to a panel of people to find out exactly what is "reasonably expected" by the average user. Contact a Tampa product liability lawyer for details.

What If a Loved One Needs a Tampa Product Liability Lawyer?

If the person injured dies of their wounds, or is left unable to pursue their own legal interests, a relative or other designated representative can sue on his or her behalf with a Tampa product liability lawyer.

How Long Do I Have to File Suit?

Florida law gives four years for bringing a product liability suit after the date of injury. If the product caused death(s), the statutory limit is two years from the date of death.

Who Can be Sued with a Tampa Product Liability Lawyer?

Even though the manufacturer is almost always at the top of the list, many other businesses can be caught up in a product liability claim. Your lawyer will consider suing designers, assemblers, retailers, and distributors as well as the product's direct manufacturer. Keep in mind that not all of these may end up being found liable in court with a Tampa product liability lawyer.

Consult with a Tampa Product Liability Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured by a product, contact a Tampa product liability lawyer here at Fiol & Morros Law Group in Tampa, FL. We will be glad to examine the circumstances of your injury and advise you on how to proceed to obtain an equitable result.