If a defective home appliance caused you to sustain injuries, it is crucial that you understand your legal rights and the responsibilities of the product’s manufacturer. Continue reading and consult with an experienced Monmouth County product liability lawyer today for more information.
What is Considered a Defective Home Appliance?
Home appliances are any machines, usually electrical or gas-powered, that are used in the house to assist with daily tasks. These tools are crucial in aiding with domestic work and can range from large items like refrigerators and washing machines to smaller ones like toasters, blenders, or space heaters.
When an appliance is defective, it fails to work safely and as intended. New Jersey recognizes three main types of product defects:
- Design defects: These issues occur when the product is unsafe from the beginning. The item was designed improperly and has inherent issues.
- Manufacturing defects: When something goes wrong during the production process, it is considered a manufacturing defect. Certain units may be unsafe while others are created as intended.
- Marketing defects: These issues occur when a product lacks proper instructions or hazard warnings, resulting in foreseeable user errors.
Ovens, microwaves, electric kettles, dishwashers, fans, power tools, electronics, and other household items can all defect, causing fires, explosions, burns, and more. The injuries and property damage caused by these issues can be extensive, so understanding your legal rights and options is imperative.
Can I Sue for Injuries Caused by a Defective Home Appliance in NJ?
You may be able to sue for injuries caused by a defective home appliance if you can prove that the appliance was defective when you received it, the defect directly caused your injury, and you were using the product as it was intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way.
These types of cases fall under product liability law, which may allow you to sue the designer, manufacturer, or seller of the defective product. You don’t necessarily have to prove that the company was careless or negligent, just that the product was defective and dangerous. This is known as strict liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injuries?
The liable party in your case depends on the type of defect that caused your injuries and who was responsible for either creating the issue or failing to identify or warn about it. Manufacturers often bear the brunt of the liability in product defect cases as they designed or built the product.
However, anyone in the distribution chain could share liability if they handled or sold the product. A landlord who provided the appliance and ignored safety standards or a worker who improperly installed or wired the appliance could also be held partially liable.
There is a multitude of individuals and entities who could be held responsible for your injuries after a product defect. To learn more, reach out to a skilled attorney today.
