When a consumer purchases a product, they expect it to be safe and function as intended. Unfortunately, defective consumer products can sometimes cause serious harm. If you’ve been injured by a defective product in Rochester, New York, you may have the right to file a product liability claim and seek compensation for your injuries.
At Brown Chiari LLP, our Rochester product liability lawyers help injured consumers take legal action against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Whether you were harmed by a faulty medical device, unsafe household appliance, or another dangerous product, here’s what you need to know about handling defective product claims in Rochester.
Understanding Product Liability Law in New York
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility manufacturers and sellers have to ensure that their products are safe for consumer use. When they fail in this responsibility, and a product causes injury, they may be held liable under New York law.
There are three primary types of product defect claims:
- Manufacturing defect: Occurs when the product was properly designed but something went wrong during the manufacturing process, making a specific item unsafe.
- Design defect: Arises when a product is inherently dangerous due to flaws in its design, even if manufactured correctly.
- Marketing defect (failure to warn): Occurs when a product lacks adequate warnings or instructions about potential risks.
Under strict liability laws in New York, you do not have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. Instead, you must prove that the product was defective, that the defect caused your injury, and that you were using the product as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way.
Steps to Take After a Defective Product Injury
If you’ve suffered an injury caused by a defective product, taking the right steps early on can greatly improve your ability to recover compensation:
- Seek immediate medical attention and keep detailed records of your treatment and medical expenses.
- Preserve the product in its current condition. Do not attempt to repair or discard it.
- Document your injuries and how the accident occurred.
- Save receipts, packaging, and manuals related to the product.
- Contact a Rochester defective product lawyer for a free initial consultation.
An experienced legal team will investigate your case, identify who in the distribution chain may be held responsible, and help you pursue a product liability claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If your defective product claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement, if applicable
In some cases, you may also have grounds to pursue warranty claims—such as breach of express or implied warranty—if the product failed to meet promised performance standards.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In a Rochester product liability case, liability may extend beyond the product manufacturer. Other potentially responsible parties include:
- Designers
- Wholesalers or distributors
- Retailers
- Importers (if the product was made outside the U.S.)
Even if the manufacturer failed only in one step of the process, New York courts may hold them liable if the product defect was the direct cause of the injury.
Strict Product Liability and Legal Claims
Strict product liability means that a manufacturer or seller can be held liable for a defective product regardless of whether they used reasonable care during production. You do not have to prove intentional wrongdoing, only that:
- The product was defective
- You were injured as a result
- The injury occurred under reasonably expected conditions
This simplifies the legal process in many product liability cases, but it’s still important to provide evidence, build a strong case, and understand your legal options.
Examples of Defective Products
Defective product claims can involve:
- Unsafe toys or baby products
- Faulty medical devices
- Exploding batteries or electronics
- Defective auto parts
- Contaminated food or cosmetics
In each case, the product’s failure to function safely may entitle the injured person to file a claim under New York product liability law.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Defective product claims often involve complex issues, including technical product data, multiple parties in the distribution chain, and resistance from corporate legal teams. A Rochester product liability lawyer can:
- Investigate the cause of the defect
- Work with experts to prove liability
- File your claim in accordance with New York court procedures
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement isn’t reached
Our experienced team at Brown Chiari LLP understands the challenges injured consumers face. We fight to hold manufacturers and sellers accountable and help clients pursue the compensation they deserve.
Learn more about how to handle defective product claims in Rochester. Call Brown Chiari LLP at (716) 681-7190 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
FAQs: Defective Product Claims in Rochester
How long do I have to file a product liability claim in New York?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Don’t delay—early legal action helps preserve evidence.
Do I need to prove the manufacturer was negligent?
Not necessarily. Under strict liability, you only need to prove that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injuries.
Can I still sue if I modified the product?
It depends on the extent of the modification and whether it contributed to the injury. A lawyer can help assess your situation.
What if I didn’t purchase the product myself?
You can still file a claim if you were injured while using the product, even if you weren’t the buyer.
What should I do if I’m injured by a defective product?
Seek medical help, preserve the product and packaging, document everything, and contact a Rochester defective product lawyer to discuss your legal options.