West Virginia readers are likely familiar with the products liability claims against GM regarding faulty car parts and the apparent danger posed to motorists. The car manufacturer has paid millions of dollars to grieving families who have lost loved ones in car accidents and those who have been injured. As this major case underscores, products liability claims may be a legitimate way to pursue claims for financial relief after suffering from dangerous or hazardous products.
The GM lawsuit stemmed from ignition parts that stopped working while the vehicle was in operation. This default caused over 30 accidents, killing 13 people and injuring many more. Another well-known products liability claim was filed against tobacco giant Phillip Morris after a consumer contracted cancer. She claimed that the company failed to warn smokers of the dangers of tobacco consumption and won. Phillip Morris was ordered to pay millions of dollars in compensatory damages.
Medical products are sometimes found to place patients at a risk for additional medical problems or sickness. After a civil claim was filed, Dow Corning was ordered to pay billions of dollars to women who were injured (or, in the event of a fatality, to the surviving family) due to defective breast implants. Some of the effects of these implants include death, scleroderma and other damages. Patients who have suffered because of allegedly defective medical products are fully entitled to explore their options regarding claims for monetary relief.
The above are examples of the many products liability claims that have been filed on behalf of victims and families. West Virginia readers may not be directly affected by these cases, but they serve as an example of how victims may successfully pursue compensation after suffering from injury or the death of a loved one. If you have suffered because of a dangerous or defective product, you have the right to explore your legal options.
Source: investopedia.com, “The 5 Largest U.S. Product Liability Cases“, Accessed on March 2, 2015
