I Was Injured by a Defective Product: What Damages Can I Seek?
We expect the things we buy to be safe. That applies to everything from vehicles to consumer electronics to medical devices and over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Sadly, failures in design, testing, and quality control mean that dangerous products wind up on the market. When these defective products harm consumers, it’s crucial to seek damages in a product liability lawsuit.
At Zucker & Regev, P.C., our skilled product liability lawyers in Brooklyn, NY, can help you hold negligent companies accountable for the injuries they cause. Our attorneys would like to review the kinds of damages that you may be awarded in a defective product claim.
The Three Kinds of Damages in Defective Product Cases
There are three potential types of damages that can be awarded in a product liability lawsuit:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
Let’s cover each of these individually below with some examples.
Economic Damages in Product Liability Lawsuits
Economic damages are damages that are related to a material loss caused by a defective or dangerous product. The damages reimburse the plaintiff for financial losses and are tabulated by adding up bills and receipts.
Examples of Economic Damages
Economic damages could cover any of the following material losses that were caused by the defective product:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages in Product Liability Lawsuits
Non-economic damages are damages that are related to emotional hardships and losses that are not objectively measurable. The lasting psychological effects of an injury do not necessarily have bills or invoices attached to them.
Since non-economic damages are subjective, our attorneys will be able to review potential non-economic damages in your case as part of the consultation process.
Examples of Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages could cover any of the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Impairment or disability
- Loss of companionship
- Changes in quality of life
It’s interesting to note that each of these non-economic damages may have some link to economic damages.
Punitive Damages in Product Liability Lawsuits
Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party for their behavior if their behavior was particularly reckless or malicious.
An Example of Punitive Damages
Say that a company knowingly put a dangerous motor vehicle on the market. In addition, say that the same company refused to issue a recall after some accidents or injuries caused by said vehicle.
Punitive damages may be awarded in this case given the severe negligence on the part of the company in question.
Why Are Punitive Damages Rare in Defective Product Cases?
Punitive damages tend to be rare in general because the negligence needs to be particularly egregious. Such actions are not common and are not always easy to prove.
The Brooklyn personal injury lawyers of Zucker & Regev can review your case and let you know whether punitive damages are likely.
How Our New York City Lawyers Can Help You
The legal team at Zucker & Regev has won millions of dollars for clients through trial verdicts and pre-trial settlements. We can negotiate a fair pre-trial settlement on your behalf, ensuring that your hardships are taken into account with each settlement offer. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will represent your case in court.
Since we have spent decades practicing law, our attorneys will not be intimidated by corporations and their legal teams. We will provide you with peace of mind as your case moves forward so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Contact Our Law Firm to Discuss Your Case
Were you injured or was a loved one harmed by a defective product? Take the first step in your legal case. We encourage you to contact our law firm online to set up a legal consultation. You can also reach our law office in Brooklyn, NY, by phone at (718) 624-1211.