
A defective product can be a dangerous thing. With all of the safety tests that products are supposed to undergo before reaching the market, we expect the things we buy to be reasonably safe. However, product liability cases account for a significant portion of the personal injury lawsuits filed with the courts every year.
At Viles & Beckman, LLC, we know the challenges faced by the victims of defective products. Our team of product liability attorneys in Fort Myers Beach has a long history of helping injury victims recover the money they need and deserve. Reach out to us today through our website or by phone to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
Damages You Can Claim in a Product Liability Case
After sustaining a significant injury in an accident caused by a defective product, there are a variety of damages you will likely be able to recover. All of these damages are divided into three primary groups. The categories of damages are:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
Economic Damages
Every loss you suffered that resulted in a hit to your finances is considered a type of economic damage. The economic damages most often recovered in a product liability case include:
- Lost income
- Lost earning power
- Property damage
- Modifications made to your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Every other loss you incurred falls into the category of non-economic damages. The non-economic damages most often recovered in a product liability case include:
- Lowered quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and other disfigurements
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not available in the majority of product liability cases. Punitive damages are unlike the compensatory damages already mentioned in that their purpose is not to replace the losses suffered by the accident victim. Instead, a judge will award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for the role they played in the accident.
The court only awards punitive damages if the liable party intended to cause harm or if their actions reached the level of criminal negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a product liability lawyer serving Fort Myers Beach, call (239) 334-3933
Retaining the Services of a Lawyer Can Allow You to Focus on Healing
The top of your priorities list after getting injured by a defective product should be your health. Unfortunately, many accident victims are unable to give their health the attention it needs because of financial concerns. These worries can cause the injury victim a significant amount of stress, which can slow the healing process.
Fortunately, a product liability attorney can help alleviate this stress. A lawyer can take control of ensuring you recover the compensation you need. Whether pursuing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, your attorney can take care of all the necessary steps to get you the money you require.
With an experienced lawyer working to ensure your financial future, you can turn your attention to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Fort Myers Beach Product Liability Lawyer Near Me (239) 334-3933
Determining Fault Is the First Step Toward Recovering Compensation
Before you can pursue an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, you must first determine who is liable for your damages. Establishing fault on your own can be challenging. Fortunately, this is another way in which hiring an attorney can help.
A Fort Myers Beach product liability lawyer will know exactly what to look for as they attempt to prove fault in your case.
Click to contact our Fort Myers Beach Personal Injury Lawyers today
Pay Attention to the Statute of Limitations
If you are planning to file a lawsuit against the liable party, it is critical that you are aware of the statute of limitations. According to Florida Statutes §95.11, injury victims are permitted two years to sue the liable party for damages. Missing this deadline could mean the loss of your right to recover damages.
However, you need to understand that there are exceptions to the statute of limitations. If certain conditions apply, you could be permitted to file a lawsuit against the responsible party long after the normal two-year deadline has expired. On the other hand, you may find that the details of your case place further limits on the amount of time you have to take action.
Hiring a product liability lawyer in Fort Myers Beach soon after your accident is the best way to ensure that all deadlines are met. Your attorney will be able to identify if any special circumstances apply to your case and make sure that all paperwork gets filed on time.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Be Wary of an Early Settlement Offer
Most product liability cases end up settling out of court. However, that does not mean that you should take the first settlement offer that comes along. Insurance companies regularly extend settlement offers before victims even have a chance to file a claim.
When an insurer knows a victim has a legitimate claim, they will take this action in the hope that the victim will accept the deal before hiring an attorney. The amount being offered by the insurer is likely only a fraction of the full value of your claim. If they convince you to take the deal, you will be unable to pursue further compensation once you realize the full extent of your damages.
The best way to protect yourself is by declining to speak with any insurance representatives until you have hired an experienced lawyer. Once you have retained legal counsel, the insurer can no longer contact you directly. By hiring an attorney, you will level the playing field and give yourself the best chance of recovering the money you deserve.
Contact a Product Liability Attorney in Fort Myers Beach Today
After sustaining an injury caused by a defective product, the best way to collect the compensation you need is by hiring a product liability lawyer in Fort Myers. At Viles & Beckman, LLC, we have a proven track record of recovering significant compensation for our clients.
Complete this online contact form or give us a call to schedule a free case review today.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form