Product Liability Lawyer in Santa Barbara

Name: Bamieh & De Smeth PLC
Telephone: (805)643-5555
Price range: Free Consultation
Rating: 4.6

When consumers purchase products, they expect them to be safe and function as intended. Defective or dangerous products sometimes enter the marketplace, causing injuries and harm to unsuspecting users. Santa Barbara product liability lawyers, such as those at Bamieh & De Smeth, provide essential protections and compensation recovery for consumers injured by defective products.

Understanding Product Liability in California

California has some of the strongest product liability laws in the nation. Under California's strict liability standard, manufacturers, distributors, and sellers can be held responsible for injuries caused by defective products, even if they were not negligent. Injured consumers do not need to prove the company was careless; they can show the product was faulty and caused harm and recover compensation. Three main types of product defects can lead to liability:

Manufacturing defects: Flaws that occur during the production process
Design defects: Inherent flaws in the product's design that make it dangerous
Warning defects: Failure to provide adequate warnings about a product's risks

To prevail in a product liability case in California, plaintiffs must prove four key elements:

The defendant created the design, handled the manufacture, distributed or was selling a defective product
The injured party used the product in a normal manner
The product was defective when it left the company’s possession
The injured party suffered harm as a result of the defect

Common Types of Defective Product Cases

Product liability claims can arise from a wide range of consumer goods that a Santa Barbara product liability lawyer can handle, including:

Defective vehicles or auto parts
Dangerous prescription drugs or medical devices
Toxic food products
Malfunctioning household appliances
Unsafe children's toys or products
Defective industrial equipment

Some recent high-profile product liability cases have involved items like:

Takata airbags
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones
Specific ice cream and frozen food brands
Various vehicle models with faulty components

Compensation in Product Liability Cases

Victims of defective products may be entitled to compensation for damages such as:

Medical expenses
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Disability or disfigurement
Wrongful death (in fatal cases)

Sometimes, the court may award punitive damages to punish companies for egregious misconduct.

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Time Limits for Filing a Claim

In California, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is two years from the date of injury. However, some exceptions may extend this deadline in certain circumstances. It's critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury to avoid losing your chance to file.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Product liability cases are often complex, involving intricate technical and legal issues. Manufacturers and sellers have teams of lawyers defending against these claims. Experienced legal representation levels the playing field and gives injured consumers the best chance at fair compensation.

The Santa Barbara product liability attorneys at Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC, have over 22 years of experience handling these cases. We have the knowledge, resources, and trial experience to take on even the largest corporations when they put profits over consumer safety.

Our legal team conducts thorough investigations, works with expert witnesses, and builds the most substantial possible cases for our clients. We handle all product liability claims, from straightforward cases to complex multi-party lawsuits.

Bamieh & De Smeth: Product Liability Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a defective or dangerous product in Santa Barbara, please contact Bamieh & De Smeth at (805) 643-5555 for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.