Considering the different organizations involved with putting a consumer product on shelves, it can be confusing to know who is liable for defective product injuries in Florida. In short, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for defective product injuries in Florida.
If a product has a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or lacks proper warnings, injured consumers may have the right to pursue compensation. You gain an advantage going up against large corporations when you have a Miami product liability lawyer to assist, but some background is useful.
Product Liability Laws in Florida
State laws are designed to protect consumers who are injured by dangerous or defective products. Under Florida’s statute on product liability actions, manufacturers, distributors, and sellers can be held strictly liable if a product causes harm due to a defect.
Strict liability means the injured person does not need to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused injury. Florida also recognizes negligence and breach of warranty as grounds for product liability claims. These laws apply statewide, including Miami.
Common Types of Defective Product Injury Claims in Miami
In Miami, residents have filed defective product claims for injuries caused by:
- Faulty electronics
- Unsafe car parts
- Contaminated food
- Defective medical devices
- Children’s toys
These claims typically fall into three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects (such as inadequate warnings). Injuries can range from burns and fractures to long-term health issues. If you have suffered harm due to a faulty product in Miami, you may have the right to seek compensation under Florida law.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Defective Product Injury in Florida?
Several parties may be liable for defective product injuries in Florida. Manufacturers are most commonly held responsible, but liability can also extend to:
- Suppliers
- Distributors
- Retail stores
- Product installers or assemblers
Florida’s legal system allows injury victims to sue any party in the product’s chain of distribution. Identifying all responsible parties is key to building a strong claim and securing the compensation you deserve after an injury in Miami.
How to Prove Liability in a Defective Product Lawsuit
To win a defective product lawsuit in Florida, you must show that:
- The product was defective
- The defect caused your injury
- The product was used as intended
Expert testimony and evidence, such as medical records, product documentation, and witness statements, are often essential. Courts in Miami will also consider whether the product had adequate warnings. Working with a skilled attorney can help you collect and present the right evidence to support your case effectively.
Speak to a Miami Product Liability Attorney for Free
Liability can be complicated with product liability claims, so you gain an advantage when you have experienced legal representation on your side. At Gerson & Schwartz, PA, our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex product injury cases throughout Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. We understand what it takes to hold manufacturers and distributors accountable, so visit us online or call (305) 371-6000 today. We can schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss your potential claim.