Defective Products

At Fotopoulos Law Office, we believe that all consumers have the right to expect the products they use every day to be functional, safe, and free from defects that could cause injury. When products do not live up to these expectations, the companies that manufacture and distribute them may be held liable for any injuries that may result. Our team provides trusted counsel and aggressive representation for victims who have been injured by defective or dangerous products. We will remain at your side, working to hold negligent parties accountable and to get you maximum compensation under the law.

The average person comes into contact with thousands of consumer products on an average day. Some of these products make life easier or more fun, while others are meant to help improve personal health and hygiene. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the manufacturers of consumer products to cut corners, skip testing, or cover up potentially dangerous problems with their products. In other words, these companies have placed an emphasis on profit over your safety and that of your family.

Each year, more than one million victims receive medical treatment related to injuries caused by dangerous consumer products or medical devices, including:

• Toys;
• Children’s car seats;
• Furniture;
• Cars, trucks, and auto parts;
• Household appliances;
• Cleaning supplies;
• Decorative items;
• Firearms;
• Prescription drugs;
• Medical products, including artificial joints;
• Vitamins or supplements; and
• Prescription drugs.

There are three basic types of defects that can cause injury to a consumer:

• Design Defects: A product with a design defect is one that was doomed from the beginning. Design defects occur as the product is being developed, and they affect the entire line of a given product. Proper testing protocols are intended to catch design defects. An example of a design defect would be a toy intended for children that poses a choking hazard.
• Manufacturing Defects: A product with a safe design can sometimes be manufactured improperly, giving it a manufacturing defect. Manufacturing defects are often caused by poor oversight, inadequate quality, incorrect materials, and substandard or counterfeit parts. Using the wrong type of screw to hold mechanical parts together could be an example of a manufacturing defect.
• Failure to Warn: Some products are just dangerous, regardless of how safely they are designed or manufactured. Cutting and chopping tools, for example, always present some risk, especially if they are not used properly. It is up the manufacturer to provide clear instructions and warnings regarding the potential dangers of such products.

Millions of Americans take prescription drugs every single day, but such medications also carry some dangers. Even when they are used as directed by a doctor, serious side effects can cause major problems. Drug manufacturers are supposed to be accountable for testing their drugs. They must also reduce any risks and notify doctors and patients of any risks that remain, including the risk of addiction or abuse. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a prescription drug, we can help you take action. At Fotopoulos Law Office, we will not be intimidated by large drug makers, and we will work hard to hold them responsible for the injuries they cause.

If you have been injured by any type of dangerous or defective consumer product, contact our office. We are proud to offer a free, no-risk consultation with a skilled product liability lawyer. Call 708-942-8400 today. With locations in Orland Park and Joliet, we proudly serve Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Alsip, Oak Forest, Mokena, Homer Glen, Will County, and Cook County.