Many of you may have seen automobile or automotive product recalls in the news. Automobile and automotive product recalls may cause significant concern for the many people and families that rely on such a common form of transportation. Automotive recalls can be challenging for both consumers and carmakers, manufacturers and dealers.
Even when dealerships can efficiently offer a fix for the automotive defect, a consumer may be harmed by manufacturer negligence which can impact the automotive industry as well as the victim. A variety of automotive defects are possible, including airbag failures; seat belt failures; brake failures; handling and stability-related failures; accelerator defects; tire defects; door-latch and frame-related failures; roof defects that can lead to a crushed roof in an accident; as well as other types of automotive defects.
Products liability law protects consumers who have been injured by an unsafe product such as an automotive defect. A victim may be able to recover damages from the manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer of a product when injured or otherwise harmed. As is true of many personal injuries or wrongful death lawsuits, victims may be able to recover a variety of damages based on the specific injuries and harm suffered.
Depending on the circumstances, victims may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. Surviving family members of victims may be able to recover medical and funeral expenses, damages for loss of support and services, and pain and suffering damages. While the unique circumstances of each incident will determine what damages are recoverable by victims, it is important for victims of automotive defects to understand that options may be available to help them. For more information, please visit our Product Liability Litigation webpage.