When a product reaches the market, the goal is to sell it to as many consumers as possible. For example, Allure once reported that Olay sells 17 jars of its Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Face Cream every minute. While this kind of demand can be great for business, it can also create widespread harm if the product is later found to be defective or dangerous. By the time issues are discovered, thousands of units may already be on store shelves nationwide or sold through major online retailers like Amazon.
If one consumer is injured by a defective product, it is likely that many others have experienced similar harm. This is why defective product cases often evolve into class-action lawsuits. A Roanoke defective product class action lawyer at MichieHamlett can help affected consumers join forces to hold manufacturers accountable and pursue justice.
Contact our talented product liability attorney today.
A class action lawsuit is a legal action taken by many individuals who have been similarly harmed against a single defendant. In the case of product liability cases, the individuals are the consumers, and the single defendant is the product manufacturer. Some benefits of a class action lawsuit include that it allows injured consumers who are not financially able to hire a lawyer the opportunity to still seek restitution. They also help hold the defendant responsible since there is strength to a case when there is more proof of how dangerous the product is. The downside to class-action lawsuits is that the process can be quite lengthy, and the amount of compensation each individual receives might not be as large as an individual claim against the company.
Virtually every household and consumer product can lead to an injury if used improperly. However, thousands are released onto U.S. retail shelves that cause injuries even when used correctly. These include everything from children’s toys to motorcycles. One of the more famous class action lawsuits has been against the tobacco companies. As Bloomberg Businessweek reports, a pediatrician who smoked two packs a day was the lead plaintiff to bring a class action lawsuit against the tobacco industry in 1994. Six years later, the jury awarded 500,000 individuals a grand total of $164 billion. Other class action lawsuits have been against the following:
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective product, you may have the option to seek compensation individually or to participate in a class-action lawsuit. A Roanoke defective product class action lawyer at MichieHamlett can explain the process, answer your questions, and help determine what course of action is in your best interest. For guidance and support, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
