As consumers, we should be able to trust that the products we purchase are safe to use as intended. However, this trust is often misplaced. Companies regularly fail to address serious product defects before putting them on the market and in the hands of innocent people. Injuries from defective products happen regularly in Missouri and across the country. Recall notices often come too late to prevent hundreds or thousands of customers from getting seriously hurt.

When you or a family member suffer injuries due to an unsafe consumer good, discuss your situation with a St. Louis defective products lawyer. The dedicated attorneys at OnderLaw have decades of experience fighting for and winning on behalf of injured people like you. Negligent companies think they can get away with putting profits before people; our firm is committed to helping our neighbors and community members take back their power.

Product Liability Laws in St. Louis

Missouri state law holds manufacturers, distributors, and, to a certain extent, retailers strictly liable for injuries resulting from product defects. If an injured consumer can prove a product is defective and meet several other conditions, the manufacturer can be held responsible regardless of whether they were legally negligent.

More specifically, the injured consumer and their St. Louis product liability attorney must prove the product was defective at the time of sale or distribution, the defect was the direct and primary cause of the consumer’s injuries, and the consumer was using the product as intended.

What Counts as a Defect in Product Liability Law?

A consumer can bring a defective product lawsuit for several types of defects, including:

  • Problems with the fundamental design of the product
  • Errors made during the product’s manufacture or assembly
  • Failures to warn (a lack of adequate warnings or instructions included in the product’s packaging regarding potential risks associated with reasonably foreseeable use)

The St. Louis lawyers at our firm can investigate a product-related accident for any potential defects.

Deadlines for Defective Product Claims

Even if someone has extensive evidence that a product defect directly caused their injuries, they only have a limited time to file a lawsuit. In most cases, Missouri Revised Statutes 516.120 sets a filing deadline five years after an injury initially occurs.

Notably, many states have statutes of repose prohibiting product liability claims after a certain period of time has passed since the initial purchase of a defective product. In Missouri, any person injured by a defective or unsafe condition of a product or due to negligence in the design, manufacture, sale, or distribution of a product has 15 years after the sale or lease of the product to bring a claim for damages. Victims of defective product accidents should contact nearby legal counsel as soon as possible to preserve their rights to compensation.

Speak with a St. Louis Defective Products Attorney About Your Case

Suing a manufacturer over a dangerous or defective product can be challenging, especially when dealing with severe injuries. Fortunately, the experienced legal professionals at OnderLaw can handle every aspect of your claim and fight for the compensation you need while you focus on healing.

A St. Louis defective products lawyer at our firm will be your guiding hand during a difficult time in your life. We are ready to take up your cause and support your recovery. Give us a call today to discuss your story with a caring member of our team.