DeSoto Product Liability Lawyer
DeSoto Product Liability Lawyer
Defective tools or auto parts can cause serious injuries when they fail without warning. Known for providing personal attention with powerful results, Goff Law has earned a reputation for holding careless manufacturers accountable. Your DeSoto personal injury lawyer will identify where the failure began and explain how Texas law supports your claim. When you contact your DeSoto product liability lawyer from Goff Law, PLLC, you can learn how to protect yourself and others from future incidents.
What Counts as a Defective Product in Texas
Defective products cause injuries every day, often when people least expect them. Texas law recognizes several ways a product can be unsafe, including poor design and production mistakes. Backed by results of more than $5 million in settlements and verdicts for injured Texans, Goff Law focuses on helping you understand your rights when a product fails.
Design Defects That Create Hidden Dangers
A design defect makes a product unsafe before it ever reaches the factory. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 82.005 explains that a design flaw exists when a safer alternative could have prevented injury without changing how the product works. Examples could include ladders that tip too easily or vehicles with airbags that deploy at the wrong time.
These claims rely on expert analysis to show that a small change could have reduced risk. Test results and internal company records can also reveal whether the manufacturer ignored known safety concerns during product development.
Manufacturing Errors and Quality Control Failures
Manufacturing defects occur when a mistake during production turns a safe design into a dangerous one. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 82.001 defines product liability as cases involving injury caused by a defect in how a product is built or assembled.
Issues such as contamination or missing inspections can cause a product to fail during regular use. If we can identify where the error occurred, whether in the factory or during assembly, we can show who is responsible for the defect in question.
Missing Warnings and Inadequate Instructions
Even a well-made product can be hazardous when warnings are missing. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 82.003 makes companies liable if they fail to warn users about foreseeable dangers that could lead to harm. Labels and instruction materials must be easy to understand and placed where users can see them.
Your DeSoto product liability attorney with Goff Law, PLLC can review whether a product lacked the warnings or safety instructions required under Texas law. This review helps you see whether a manufacturer met its duty to protect consumers from preventable harm.
Common Types of Product Liability Cases in DeSoto
Every product sold in Texas should meet safety standards before reaching the public. Some companies cut corners and release items that injure people who trust them to work properly. Goff Law represents individuals harmed by unsafe or defective products and handles cases that range from faulty auto parts to dangerous medical devices. Examples of defective or unsafe products include:
- Vehicle brakes that fail without warning
- Recalled kitchen appliances that overheat or spark
- Children’s toys with detachable or breakable pieces
- Medical implants that fracture or stop working inside the body
- Food products contaminated during packaging
- Power tools with electrical faults or weak safety locks
- Cleaning supplies with harmful chemical mixtures
- Consumer goods sold without required warning labels
Under the Consumer Product Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2064, companies must report dangerous items and issue recalls when needed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2024 report listed more than 400 product recalls nationwide and demonstrates why consistent oversight and public reports help reduce preventable injuries.
Who May Be Held Responsible for a Defective Product
A product liability case can involve several companies throughout the supply chain. Each may have contributed to getting a defective product into the hands of consumers. In some cases, a faulty power tool or medical device may resemble a car or truck accident caused by bad equipment because both happen when basic safety standards are ignored.
Manufacturers and Designers
Manufacturers and product designers must ensure that their products are safe before they reach the public. Most manufacturers employ quality assurance (QA) or consumer safety departments to review their products before they arrive in retailers or the hands of the general public.
When companies skip safety testing or overlook known risks, they may be held responsible for injuries. Design files and quality control records often show where the process failed and who allowed the problem to continue.
Distributors and Retailers
Retailers and distributors can also share responsibility when unsafe products reach consumers. A seller that keeps recalled goods on shelves or ignores safety complaints can be held liable for resulting injuries.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2024 enforcement report cited several retailers for keeping recalled products available for sale. This record shows why oversight must extend past the design stage and include every point of distribution.
Foreign or Third-Party Component Suppliers
Many products rely on outside suppliers for parts or materials. If a single component, such as a circuit board or lithium battery, is defective, the supplier may share liability for injuries.
Your DeSoto catastrophic injury lawyer can review who produced each part and how that defect contributed to the incident. Careful analysis of supplier records helps identify which companies may be responsible for your damages.
What to Do If You Suspect a Product Defect Caused Your Injury
When a defective product causes an injury, it’s easy to feel uncertain about what to do next. You may need to decide what evidence to keep or how to begin a claim. Trusted in DeSoto for fairness and results, Goff Law helps residents take the right steps after incidents involving unsafe consumer goods.
Preserve the Product and Packaging
Keep the product along with any box or documents that came with it. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 allows two years to file a product liability claim, but saving this evidence right away makes your position stronger.
Store the item safely without making repairs or alterations. Receipts or warranty paperwork can show when and where the product was purchased and support your claim.
Seek Medical Treatment and Documentation
Get medical care right away after the accident. Quick medical attention can protect your health and help show that your injuries resulted from the defective product.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported many product-related emergency-room visits in 2024. These records show how early care allows doctors to understand what caused each injury.
Report the Product to Authorities
If you suspect a defect, submit a report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Doing so contributes to national safety data and helps identify unsafe manufacturing practices.
Under 15 U.S.C. § 2064, companies must notify the CPSC once a product defect is confirmed. Your report helps regulators respond faster and reduce future risks.
DeSoto Product Liability FAQ
After a product causes an injury, it’s natural to have questions about what to do next. You may be dealing with a defective household item or a medical device that failed to work safely. When you know how Texas defines a defective product, it can help you determine whether your situation might qualify for a claim.
How do I know if my product qualifies as defective under Texas law?
A product may be defective if its design or construction makes it unsafe for regular use. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 82.005 explains that a claim can also arise when these required warnings are missing.
Can I still file a claim if I no longer have the product or receipt?
Yes, you can still pursue a case with other types of proof such as photos or medical records. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 typically gives you two years to file, so it helps to start collecting evidence quickly.
What happens if a recalled product caused my injury before the recall was announced?
You may still have a valid case if the defect existed before the recall was made public. Companies must report known hazards under 15 U.S.C. § 2064, and a delay in reporting may give you a better chance of recovering fair compensation.
What damages are available in a Texas product liability case?
You may be able to recover medical costs and lost wages tied to your injury. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.002 also describes the applicability of claims for physical pain or emotional distress caused by defective products.
How long do product liability cases typically take to resolve?
The process depends on the complexity of the case and how many companies are involved. We will explain what to expect as we review evidence and negotiations begin.
Get Help From a Product Liability Lawyer in DeSoto Who Puts Safety First
