If you’ve recently been injured due to a defective product or you’re facing a case involving product liability in Georgia, you’re in the right place. At Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC, we understand that facing a legal issue like this can be incredibly stressful and confusing. You may have concerns about how the changes in the law affect your situation and whether you can hold the manufacturer or seller accountable for your injuries. This page will walk you through the most recent changes to Georgia’s product liability laws, explain how these changes may impact your case, and highlight how we can help you navigate this complex area of law to get the best possible result.
Understanding Product Liability Laws
Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable when they release a defective product into the marketplace that causes harm to consumers. In Georgia, product liability cases generally fall into three categories: manufacturing defects, design defects, and marketing defects. A manufacturing defect occurs when a product is defectively made during the production process. A design defect occurs when a product’s design is inherently dangerous or flawed. A marketing defect happens when the product is not properly labeled or risks are not communicated.
The Recent Changes in Georgia’s Product Liability Laws
In recent years, Georgia has made significant updates to its product liability laws that can directly affect the outcome of accident cases involving defective products.
One of the most important changes is the extension of the statute of limitations. For years, Georgia had a two-year statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim, meaning that you had two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. However, recent amendments have extended the statute of limitations for certain types of product liability claims, especially those involving manufacturing defects. This change is significant because it now allows more time for consumers to investigate their case, gather evidence, and consult with legal professionals before filing a claim.
Adam Princenthal
Attorney At Law
David May
Attorney At Law
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Attorney At Law
Another key change is the increased emphasis on consumer protection. Previously, proving that a product defect caused an injury was challenging, particularly if the defect wasn’t immediately obvious. Under the new laws, manufacturers are now held more accountable for selling inherently dangerous products—even if the defect wasn’t immediately visible. These changes make it easier for consumers to hold companies responsible for injuries caused by defective products.
How These Changes Affect Your Accident Case
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, these legal updates can have a major impact on your case. If your injury occurred recently, you may benefit from the extended statute of limitations, which gives you more time to pursue your claim, especially if you’re still recovering or dealing with the long-term effects of your injury.
The changes making it easier to prove a product defect mean your case could be stronger than it would have been in the past. Even if the defect wasn’t immediately obvious, the new laws increase the likelihood that you can prove the product was defectively designed or manufactured.
The shift toward higher accountability for manufacturers also means that you may be entitled to higher compensation for your injuries, particularly if the defect was due to the manufacturer’s negligence or poor design.
After a car accident, I contacted David May at the Lagrange office. He, and his staff, helped me with medical advice and follow up doctors visits, along with dealing with my insurance and the insurance of the woman that hit me. I have been very pleased with the service I received from David May and the Lagrange staff. They are warm and open, always there to help with advice and answer questions.”
- Debau
I highly recommend Adam Princenthal .I was looking for someone with years of experience in personal injury.They needed to be knowledgeable, transparent and honest.I wanted to know I was dealing directly with the lawyer I hired.Adam Princenthal could answer all the difficult questions and phone calls were returned.Adam got the settlement I was looking for in a timely manner."
- Nancy K.
I am glad that I was referred to Princenthal & May. Matthew met with me and gained my trust with the case. I was never left in the dark on any matters, My phone calls were either answered or returned quickly. The office staff are very friendly as well. My case was settled, with both Matthew and Adam present. Both are very professional in their work.. They work for you !!!"
- Jacque Minor
What You Need to Do After an Accident Involving a Defective Product
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your rights. First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel severely injured. Having a professional document your injuries will be essential when building your case.
Next, gather as much evidence as possible. If you can, keep the defective product and take photos of your injuries, the product, and the scene of the accident. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information so they can provide testimony if needed.
It’s also important to keep track of any expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses. These will be included in your claim for compensation.
Finally, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help you navigate the complexities of product liability law. With the recent changes in Georgia’s laws, having an attorney who understands these legal updates is more important than ever.
The Role of Expert Testimony in Product Liability Cases
When pursuing a product liability case, especially in complex situations involving manufacturing or design defects, expert testimony can be a critical component of proving your case. Expert witnesses, such as engineers, medical professionals, or industry specialists, can provide insight into how the defect occurred and how it directly contributed to your injuries.
For example, in cases involving a defective car part that caused a crash, an expert in automotive engineering could testify about the faulty design or manufacturing processes that led to the product’s failure. Similarly, medical experts can help demonstrate the severity of your injuries and how they are directly tied to the defect. Their testimony can be the key to building a persuasive argument for your claim, especially when dealing with issues like long-term medical treatments or permanent disabilities resulting from the defective product.
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Given the new consumer protection laws, expert testimony can also help clarify whether a product was inherently dangerous, even if the defect wasn’t immediately visible. With more emphasis on holding manufacturers accountable for such defects, the testimony of specialists in the field can carry even more weight in court.
Navigating Insurance Claims in Product Liability Cases
While seeking legal representation is essential, it’s equally important to understand how insurance claims fit into the process. In many product liability cases, manufacturers and distributors are required to carry liability insurance to cover the damages caused by their defective products. However, insurance companies may try to minimize payouts to avoid high settlements.
Having a skilled attorney on your side ensures that you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Your lawyer will work with you to ensure that your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages are properly calculated and that insurance companies don’t take advantage of your situation. They will also know how to navigate the complexities of dealing with manufacturers and their insurers, ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to under Georgia’s revised product liability laws.
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How Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC Can Help You
At Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC, we are here to guide you through the complexities of product liability law. We understand how stressful it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident involving a defective product. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
With the recent changes in Georgia’s product liability laws, it’s more important than ever to have an experienced attorney on your side. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate your case.
