You buy something expecting it to work safely. Maybe it’s a car seat for your child. Maybe it’s medicine meant to help, not harm. But instead, it causes pain and leads to a stack of medical bills. You miss work. You wonder how this happened in the first place.
This isn’t rare. More than 29 million injuries happen every year across the country because of unsafe products. Here in Burbank, we see people every day facing these kinds of struggles.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we understand how frustrating this can be. You trusted the product. You didn’t expect it to fail you. Now you’re looking for answers, and a path to move forward.
As a trusted personal injury lawyer in Burbank, Adrianos Facchetti has helped many families and individuals stand up to companies that put unsafe products on the market. You have strong legal rights under California law, and we’re here to make sure they’re protected.
If you’ve been hurt, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Help is here.
What Is a Product Liability Lawyer?
A product liability lawyer helps people who’ve been hurt by a defective product. If you used something as intended like a household appliance, a toy, or even a car and it caused injury, you may have a legal case. These lawyers know how to show that the product was unsafe, that it caused you harm, and that you deserve compensation.
Here at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’ve helped people across Burbank understand their rights after an injury from defective consumer products. We know the local courts, the legal process, and how to deal with insurance companies that often try to push back. Our role is to stand by you, guide you through the legal issues, and work to recover your medical bills, lost wages, and additional damages that come from these accidents.
For example, if a piece of machinery at work malfunctions because of a design defect, and you end up injured, we help gather proof, talk to experts, and build your case. You focus on getting better we handle the legal work.
Types of Product Liability Cases We Handle in Burbank
Design Defects
Sometimes, a product is dangerous from the very beginning because it was poorly designed. Take, for example, a football helmet that doesn’t properly protect against impacts. Even if it’s made exactly as planned, the design itself puts users at risk. These design defect claims show that the problem started before the product even hit the shelves.
We handle these cases by looking at how the product was meant to function and what safer options could have been used instead. The goal is to prove that the design put users in harm’s way.
Manufacturing Defects
Even a good design can go wrong if something happens during the manufacturing process. Imagine a car part, like a brake pad, that leaves the factory with a crack. Or a batch of medicine that’s contaminated. These kinds of defects can turn safe products into dangerous ones.
When we handle a manufacturing defect claim, we work to show how the mistake happened, whether it’s faulty materials, poor quality control, or an assembly error. These cases often require expert support and strong evidence, both of which we help you gather.
Failure to Warn / Warning Defects
Some products come with risks, but manufacturers must give clear, simple warnings. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, that’s called a failure to warn. Think about household cleaners without proper safety instructions, or medical products without adequate warnings about side effects.
In these cases, we show that the company didn’t give you the information you needed to stay safe. Whether it’s missing labels or instructions that aren’t clear, this kind of negligence can cause serious harm.
Dangerous Drugs, Auto Defects, Medical Devices
These are more specific areas we see often in Southern California. A medical device like a faulty hip implant, a dangerous drug with hidden risks, or a car with steering problems all can lead to serious injuries. When this happens, our job is to step in, explain your rights, and hold the party at fault responsible.
According to recent Consumer Product Safety Commission data, thousands of products are recalled each year, from children’s toys to food items. These recalls prove that dangerous products make it to market far too often. If you’ve been hurt by a defective product, you’re not alone.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Product?
When something goes wrong, it’s not just about the manufacturer. Under product liability laws, several people or companies might be responsible. It depends on where the defect happened and who had a duty of care to keep you safe.
Manufacturers are often the first place we look. They’re responsible for designing, producing, and testing products to meet safety standards. But they’re not the only ones.
Distributors move the product from the factory to the store shelves. If they mishandle the product and it becomes unsafe, they can be held accountable too.
Retailers, like stores or online shops, are part of the chain as well. Even if they didn’t make the product, they have a duty of candor and must ensure that what they sell is safe for consumers. If they sell something dangerous without proper warnings or checks, they share the responsibility.
Our team of personal injury attorneys looks at every angle to make sure we pursue every party that contributed to your injury. Whether it’s a faulty medical product, defective consumer products, or a product with inadequate warnings, we dig deep into the details to help you get the answers and compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Defective Product Injury in Burbank
After an injury from a defective product, your first thought is your health. Get medical care right away, even if the injury seems small at first. Some problems, like internal injuries or chemical exposure from household products, don’t show up immediately.
If you can, keep the product that caused the injury. For example, if a kitchen appliance sparked and burned your hand, don’t throw it out. The product itself is key evidence. Take photos of the item and where the accident happened. This helps us understand what went wrong.
Next, document everything. Write down what happened, how you used the product, and any warnings you saw or didn’t see. Keep your medical records, receipts, and even packaging materials. These details help tell your side of the story.
Finally, speak with a lawyer as soon as you can. Our Burbank product liability lawyers are familiar with the local courts and what it takes to build a strong case. Early legal advice makes a difference, especially when dealing with insurance companies or large manufacturers. We help you understand your rights and your compensation options from the start.
Elements of a Successful Product Liability Claim
To build a strong claim, there are a few things we need to prove. Think of it like building a puzzle each piece matters.
- Duty of Care - Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe. This is what we call their duty of care. Whether it’s a batch of products or a single unit, they’re expected to follow proper safety steps.
- Breach of Duty - When this duty is not met, that’s a breach of duty. For example, if a manufacturer skips safety testing on flammable or high-risk products, and you get hurt, they’ve failed their responsibility.
- Causation - We need to show that the breach of duty caused your injury. Say a bicycle part has a design flaw, and while riding, it snaps causing a crash. The faulty part, not something else, led to your accident injuries.
- Damages - Finally, we prove the harm you suffered because of the defective product. This includes medical bills, missed work, or the pain of the injury itself. The goal is to seek fair compensation that reflects the real impact on your life.
Checklist for Victims Before Your Consultation:
- The defective product, or photos of it
- Medical records and treatment notes
- Any receipts or proof of purchase
- Notes about how the injury happened
- Any packaging or instructions that came with the product
Having these ready helps your case move forward smoothly.
Proving Your Product Liability Case - What You Need to Know
Proof is the backbone of every product liability case. Without it, even the strongest story won’t stand up in court.
Keep the product if possible. Whether it’s a broken ladder, faulty medical device, or flammable household item, the product itself can reveal design flaws, manufacturing mistakes, or inadequate warnings.
Expert witnesses often play a big role. These are specialists who understand the design and function of products. They explain what went wrong and why it led to your injury. For instance, in an escalator accident caused by mechanical failure, an expert can show exactly how the intended design failed and put users at risk.
Also, gather your documents. Medical records, accident reports, and even small details like packaging or manuals can show how the product fell short of safety standards.
Our product defect attorneys in Burbank guide you through this process. We help you collect and protect the evidence that matters most. This way, you have a clear path toward fair compensation and justice.
Compensation for Victims of Defective Products in Burbank
When a defective product causes injury, the costs add up quickly. Medical bills alone in California can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to well over $100,000 for serious cases like burns or broken bones. If you need ongoing care, that number grows fast.
You might also lose time at work while you recover. Lost wages are part of what you can claim, so you’re not left covering the gap alone.
Then there’s the pain and discomfort, both physical and emotional. The law recognises this too. For example, if you suffered from a faulty medical device, the daily impact on your health matters when we talk about fair compensation.
In some situations, we also look at punitive damages. This applies when a company acted with clear disregard for safety, like skipping proper testing during the manufacturing process. These damages are meant to send a message that cutting corners is never acceptable.
National averages for product liability settlements vary widely, but many cases resolve between $50,000 and $300,000, depending on the severity of the injury and the facts of the case. Every situation is different, and we’ll help you understand what applies to yours.
Product Recalls and Consumer Protection in California
Every year, thousands of products are recalled because of safety issues. The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) and FDA work to catch these problems, but sometimes dangerous products still reach people’s homes.
Food items, household goods, auto parts no category is immune. For example, if a batch of food contains harmful bacteria, or if vehicle components have defects that lead to motor vehicle collisions, recalls aim to fix these risks before more harm is done.
California law gives you strong protections. You have the right to expect products to come with adequate instructions and warnings. If there are insufficient warnings or instructions, the company can be held responsible for any injuries that follow.
If you suspect a product is unsafe, you can report it directly to the CPSC or the manufacturer. It’s a simple step that helps protect others and supports your claim if you’ve been hurt. When you speak with our law office, we’ll show you how to check for recalls and gather proof that the company failed in its legal duty to keep you safe.
Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Claims in California
Time matters when it comes to product liability claims. In California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. This is set by California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
There are exceptions, though. If the injury wasn't clear right away like with some faulty medical devices the clock might start later, when you first notice the harm. But waiting too long can mean losing your chance to take legal action.
The sooner you speak with a product defect attorney, the better. Early advice from experts helps protect your claim, keeps evidence safe, and avoids missing deadlines. We offer a confidential consultation, so you can understand your rights without any pressure.
If you’re unsure whether your case is still within the time limit, don’t guess. Reach out. Our Burbank product liability lawyers will guide you through this part of the process, so you don’t risk losing out on justifiable compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Product Liability Cases
What is strict liability?
Strict liability means you don’t have to prove that the company meant to cause harm. If the product was defective and it hurt you, the company responsible can still be held accountable. For example, if a defective power tool causes injury because of a design flaw, you don’t need to show that the maker knew it was unsafe. You only need to show that the defect existed and caused your injury.
How long do I have to file?
In California, you usually have two years from the date of your injury to file a product liability claim. But this can depend on when you first noticed the injury. Some injuries, like those caused by a faulty medical device, show up later. If you’re unsure, speak with a defective products attorney early. It’s better to check than risk losing your chance to claim fair compensation.
Can I sue if I misused the product?
It depends. If your use of the product was reasonably foreseeable meaning, it’s something the company should have expected you might still have a claim. For example, if a chair collapses when someone sits at its edge, a court might say that’s foreseeable use. Our Burbank product liability lawyers can help you understand if your situation qualifies.
What damages can I claim?
You can claim for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages if the company acted recklessly. We look at your full situation to make sure no part of your loss is left out.
Why Choose Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti as Your Burbank Product Liability Lawyer?
Choosing the right lawyer isn’t just about experience, though we have plenty of that. It’s about feeling like your case matters.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’ve handled many claims for injuries caused by defective consumer products, from faulty household tools to dangerous auto parts. We understand the local courts and the way these cases unfold in Burbank.
What makes us different is our approach. We treat every client as an individual, not just a case file. We take the time to explain your options clearly, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported at every step.
We also work on a "No Win, No Fee" basis. That means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. You get experienced legal representation without the worry of upfront costs.
When you work with our defective product law firm, you get a partner who listens and fights for the full compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Burbank Product Liability Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, your next step is simple. Book a free consultation with us. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal rights, and help you understand your options.
There’s no pressure, no cost to get started, and everything you share with us stays confidential. Whether you’re just looking for answers or ready to take action, we’re here to help.
Book Your Free Consultation Now. Let’s talk about how you can move forward.