When we buy and use products—whether it's a car, kitchen appliance, medical device, or children's toy—we trust that these items are safe. Unfortunately, not all products meet this standard. If a product malfunctions and causes injury, you may have grounds for a product liability claim under personal injury law.

What is Product Liability?

Product liability refers to a manufacturer's or seller's responsibility for putting a defective product into the hands of a consumer. If a product is found to be defective or dangerous and causes harm, the company that made or sold it can be held legally accountable.

There are three main types of product defects:

• Design Defects: Flaws in the product design that make it inherently dangerous.
• Manufacturing Defects: Errors that occur during the production or assembly of the product.
• Marketing Defects: Inadequate warnings or instructions that fail to inform consumers of potential risks.

How Defective Products Cause Injuries

Defective products can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to life-threatening trauma. Common examples include:

• A power tool with faulty wiring that causes electric shock or burns.
• A vehicle with defective brakes that leads to a collision.
• A children’s toy that poses a choking hazard due to a manufacturing error.
• A medical device that malfunctions during use, causing complications.

If the product’s failure directly leads to your injury, you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Real-World Vehicle Defect Examples

Vehicle-related product defects are especially dangerous because they often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Here are just a few examples of how automotive defects can result in personal injury cases:

• Airbag Failures: Airbags that fail to deploy—or deploy too forcefully—during a crash can result in broken bones, internal injuries, or even death.
• Brake System Malfunctions: Faulty brakes can prevent a driver from stopping in time, leading to rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, or rollover accidents.
• Steering System Defects: A vehicle that suddenly loses steering control poses a serious risk, especially at high speeds.
• Seatbelt Failures: If a seatbelt unlatches or fails to restrain properly during impact, passengers can be thrown from the vehicle or suffer severe trauma.
• Fuel System Leaks: Defective fuel tanks or fuel lines can lead to fires or explosions after even minor collisions.
• Tire Blowouts: Poorly manufactured or defective tires can blow out unexpectedly, causing a driver to lose control of the vehicle.

In each of these cases, the manufacturer or supplier may be held responsible if it can be shown that a defect existed and directly contributed to your injury.

You Have Rights as a Consumer

Texas law allows injured consumers to pursue legal action against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. However, proving a product liability case can be complex. It often involves:

• Investigating the defect and how it caused your injury.
• Gathering evidence such as the product itself, medical records, expert analysis, and witness testimony.
• Filing a claim within the legal time limits (statute of limitations).

Get Legal Help Now

If you've been injured by a defective product, don’t wait. The legal team at Garza Martinez Law is here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice.

Call Garza Martinez Law today at (956) 335-4900 for a free consultation. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.