When a loved one dies because of a defective or dangerous product, the grief is often accompanied by frustration and anger toward the company responsible for allowing that product on the market. The law holds manufacturers responsible for ensuring the products they release are safe for consumers. When they act inconsistently with this obligation, they can and should be held accountable through a wrongful death claim.
Pursuing legal action against a manufacturer is not a simple process. These companies often have vast resources, legal teams, and insurance protection designed to minimize their liability. This makes working with a lawyer who handles wrongful death cases important for building a strong, evidence-based case and standing up to corporate defense tactics.
Common Scenarios Where Manufacturers May Be Liable for Wrongful Death
Manufacturers can be held legally responsible when a product defect or corporate misconduct contributes to a fatal incident. These are product liability cases, an area of law that involves one or more of the following scenarios:
Defective Products
Some products are inherently dangerous due to design flaws, faulty components, or poor assembly. This includes defective vehicle parts, malfunctioning machinery, unsafe medical devices, and flammable consumer goods. When these flaws result in death, the manufacturer may be liable for placing an unreasonably dangerous product into the hands of consumers.
Failure to Warn
Even when a product is properly designed, it may still pose risks under certain conditions. Manufacturers should give sufficient warnings and clear instructions for use. If a company fails to alert users about foreseeable hazards, such as choking risks, electrical dangers, or operating limitations, it may be held responsible for any death that occurs as a result.
Inadequate Testing
Before sending a product to the public, manufacturers are expected to conduct rigorous testing to identify potential hazards. This applies to everything from pharmaceutical drugs to power tools and children's toys. When a company deliberately bypasses or limits product testing to cut costs or speed up production, it increases the risk of preventable harm. If a fatality occurs because a product was not properly tested under real-world conditions, the manufacturer may be held accountable for placing profits over safety.
Negligent Recalls
When manufacturers learn that a product poses a danger, they are required to take prompt and effective action, often through a recall. However, some companies delay recalls, fail to notify the public adequately, or do not remove dangerous products from shelves. If a known product hazard leads to someone’s death and the manufacturer fails to act responsibly, the company can face liability for negligence.
Intentional Misconduct
In some cases, a manufacturer may knowingly allow a harmful product to remain on the market despite being aware of the risks. This form of intentional misconduct goes beyond negligence. It involves deliberate decisions to ignore safety concerns, suppress unfavorable test results, or mislead regulators and consumers. When a company acts with willful disregard for public safety and a fatality results, it may be exposed to punitive damages in addition to wrongful death liability.
How to Hold Manufacturers Accountable for Wrongful Death
Holding a manufacturer legally responsible for a wrongful death requires a strategic and evidence-driven approach. Product liability law allows victims’ families to pursue compensation when a defective or dangerous product directly causes fatal harm. To build a successful claim, the following elements must be proven:
- The Product Was Defective: The defect may stem from its design, manufacturing process, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions.
- The Defect Caused the Death: It must be shown that the product’s defect was the direct or proximate cause of the fatal incident, not some unrelated factor.
- The Product Was Used as Intended: Plaintiffs must show the product was used in a reasonably foreseeable manner, as manufacturers may argue misuse to avoid liability.
- The Manufacturer Owed a Duty of Care: You must demonstrate that the manufacturer had a legal responsibility to ensure their products are safe for foreseeable users.
This process often involves extensive investigation, expert testimony from engineers or medical professionals, product testing, and the review of internal company documents. A wrongful death attorney can uncover every necessary piece of evidence of negligence or corporate misconduct that may not be available through public channels.
In situations where a large number of individuals are affected by the same product, pursuing mass tort litigation or class action lawsuits can be an avenue to hold the manufacturer accountable. These legal actions allow multiple claimants to join together to address the issue on a larger scale and facilitate a more efficient resolution.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Seeking wrongful death benefits against a manufacturer is legally challenging and fact-intensive. A lawyer’s role begins with an in-depth investigation to determine how the product failed and who is legally responsible. They work with engineers, product safety experts, and medical professionals to build a compelling case supported by credible evidence.
A lawyer can advise you on the best legal avenue to seek compensation. They may consider the following actions:
- Wrongful death claims compensate dependents for their personal losses, such as lost financial support, guidance, and emotional suffering.
- Survival actions allow the deceased person’s estate to recover damages the victim could have pursued if they didn't die, such as healthcare expenses and pain and suffering endured before death.
Both legal actions may be necessary to ensure that all recoverable damages are sought. However, manufacturers and their insurers are prepared to defend against these claims aggressively. Your lawyer acts as your representative in all communications and negotiations, pushing back against efforts to deny liability or downplay damages.
In case there is no resolution through settlement, your attorney can take it to trial and present it to a jury. Legal counsel also ensures that the claim is filed on time and complies with procedural requirements under your state’s laws.
Safeguard Your Future a Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a loved one because of a defective or dangerous product is a painful tragedy. While no amount of money can replace the life that was lost, holding the responsible manufacturer accountable can offer a sense of justice, financial security, and closure. Successfully pursuing a wrongful death claim demands knowledge and resources. A wrongful death attorney will take every legal step to secure the family’s rightful compensation. Consult a skilled Jacksonville injury lawyer today to explore your legal options and safeguard your family’s future.