Legal Options for Injuries Caused by Defective Products

Every day, people use products they trust—power tools, home appliances, cars, medications, and even children’s toys. Most of the time, these items work as expected. But when something goes wrong due to a defect, the consequences can be serious. If you’ve been injured by a defective product in South Carolina, it’s important to know that you may have legal options. These claims are handled under a specific area of law called product liability.

Understanding how these cases work and what steps to take can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

Types of Product Defects That Lead to Injury

There are several ways a product can be considered defective. South Carolina law recognizes three main types:

• Design defects – These happen when the product was poorly designed from the beginning. Even if made correctly, the item is dangerous because of its design. An example might be a chair that tips over easily or a car model that is more likely to roll during a sharp turn.

• Manufacturing defects – This occurs when the product’s design is safe, but something went wrong during the production process. A single batch of items might come out with faulty wiring or missing safety features, causing harm during normal use.

• Marketing or labeling defects – These involve a failure to warn consumers about risks or instructions on how to use the product safely. A common example is a medication that doesn’t warn of potential side effects or a chemical cleaner without adequate safety directions.

Each type of defect presents a unique legal challenge. That’s why it’s important to identify what went wrong and who may be responsible.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Product

When a defective product causes injury, several parties may share legal responsibility. This can include:

• The manufacturer of the product

• The manufacturer of a defective part or component

• The company that assembled or distributed the product

• The retailer or seller that made the product available to consumers

You don’t have to choose just one. In many cases, all parties involved in the product’s chain of distribution can be named in a claim. That gives injured consumers a better chance at recovering damages, especially if one company is out of business or located outside the United States.

How Strict Liability Applies in South Carolina

One of the key differences in product liability cases is that you don’t always need to prove negligence. South Carolina applies a principle called strict liability. This means the injured person does not have to show that the manufacturer was careless—only that:

• The product was unreasonably dangerous

• The product was in the same condition as when it left the manufacturer

• The injury occurred during normal use of the product

This legal approach favors consumers. It holds companies accountable for the products they put on the market and makes it easier for injured individuals to seek compensation when something goes wrong.

Evidence That Supports a Product Liability Claim

To successfully bring a product liability case, you’ll need strong evidence. Some of the most important documentation includes:

• The product itself, especially if it’s still intact or can be inspected

• Medical records showing the extent and cause of your injuries

• Receipts or proof of purchase

• Photos or videos showing the incident or product failure

• Expert analysis, such as engineers or product safety specialists

• Testimony from witnesses who saw the injury happen

It’s essential to preserve the defective product if possible. Don’t throw it away or return it before speaking with an attorney. Having the item available for inspection can make or break your case.

Compensation Available in a Product Injury Case

If a defective product has injured you, you may be able to recover compensation for several types of losses, including:

• Medical expenses for treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation

• Lost wages if you missed work during your recovery

• Future medical costs for ongoing care

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent disability or reduced quality of life

• Property damage, if applicable

In rare cases, South Carolina courts may also award punitive damages. These are meant to punish companies for reckless behavior or gross negligence, such as knowingly allowing a dangerous product to stay on the market.

Deadlines for Filing a Claim in South Carolina

If you are considering legal action, don’t wait too long. South Carolina’s statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.

There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the injury wasn’t discovered right away. However, it’s always best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand how the deadline applies in your situation.

Why Legal Help Can Make a Difference

Product liability cases can be complex. They often involve large corporations, insurance companies, and teams of defense lawyers. Proving a design flaw or manufacturing error may require technical knowledge, expert witnesses, and a deep understanding of the law.

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in South Carolina can give you a clear path forward. Your lawyer can:

• Investigate the product and how it caused your injury

• Identify all parties who may be liable

• Gather expert opinions and documentation

• Handle negotiations with the insurance companies

• Represent you in court if necessary

You don’t have to handle this process alone. Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you.

Conclusion

No one expects to be harmed by a product they trusted. But if you’ve been injured due to a defect, the law is on your side. You have the right to seek accountability and recover the losses you’ve suffered. At our firm, we help people throughout South Carolina navigate product injury claims with clarity and confidence. If you have questions about your rights or want to explore your legal options, contact us today. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and help you take the next step toward recovery.