Our David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers in South Carolina know that every year, consumer products are involved in the deaths of an estimated 23,000 Americans and injuries to 31 million others, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Understanding the responsibility chain in product-related wrongful deaths is crucial. It involves various parties who may be held accountable for the defect or negligence that led to the tragedy.
Here, we discuss which parties may be held liable for their role in defective products that end up on consumers’ shelves.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Product-Related Wrongful Deaths in South Carolina?
If you lost a loved one while they were properly using any household or other consumer product, the following parties — or a combination of parties — may be liable for their wrongful death.
That includes:
- Product Designers and Manufacturers
The responsibility to produce safe consumer products often starts with the product’s designers and manufacturers. They must ensure the product is designed and manufactured safely, with adequate warnings and instructions for proper use. If a design flaw or manufacturing defect contributed to the wrongful death, they may be held liable.
- Component Suppliers
When the product comprises various components sourced from different suppliers, those suppliers may also share responsibility. If a defective component contributed to the wrongful death, the supplier of that component may be held liable for the defect.
- Distributors and Retailers
Distributors and retailers also play a significant role in product safety. They must ensure that the products they distribute are safe for consumer use. If they were aware of any defects or hazards associated with the product and failed to take appropriate action, they may be held liable for the wrongful death.
- Advertisers and Marketers
Those responsible for marketing and advertising the product may also be implicated in wrongful death cases. They may be held accountable for their negligence if they made false or misleading claims about the product’s safety or failed to adequately warn consumers about potential risks.
Contact Our Attorney at David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers
If you lost a loved one who was using a consumer product according to its instructions, contact our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers today at (803)-258-6199 to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the negligent party liable for your complete recovery needs.
We provide free consultations for all South Carolina personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. We never charge legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case.