Defective Products

If products aren't properly designed and manufactured, the people who use them can be seriously injured. Ladders collapse; stoves explode; seatbelts fail; electrical tools and appliances catch on fire; fire suppression systems fail; brakes or engine parts stop working; improperly unguarded saws, lawn mowers and snow blowers cut things they aren't supposed to cut; and many other products fail with disastrous results. If you have been hurt by an improperly designed or manufactured product, you may be entitled to compensation from the designer, manufacturer, or seller.

Under Wisconsin law, businesses that sell or manufacture products can be found responsible for injuries caused by a product in two different circumstances. First, manufacturers are required to design and build products that are not “unreasonably dangerous". If a product is designed or built in a way that makes it unreasonably dangerous, anyone injured by the defective product is entitled to recover compensation for his or her injuries.

Second, manufacturers are required to provide adequate instructions on the proper use of the product and clear warnings about any dangers associated with the product. Anyone injured because the manufacturer didn't provide proper instructions or proper warnings is entitled to compensation for his or her injuries.

Under Wisconsin law, when you've been injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to be paid for:

• Past and future medical bills for treatment of your injuries.
• Out of pocket expenses related to the injury including prescriptions, co-pays, deductibles, over-the-counter medications like Advil® or Tylenol®, braces, hot or cold packs, etc.
• Your lost wages (both past lost wages and wages you will lose in the future because of disabilities or the need to seek medical care).
• Your past and future pain and suffering, disability, and/or disfigurement.