What to Expect During the Trial Process in a Georgia Product Liability Lawsuit

What to Expect During the Trial Process in a Georgia Product Liability Lawsuit

If you are reading this, you may have recently been harmed by a defective product. It is natural to feel a mix of emotions, from confusion and frustration to worry about the future. You might be wondering what steps you need to take to get the compensation you deserve for the injuries caused by a product that was supposed to be safe. At our firm, we understand how overwhelming the process can seem, and we want you to know that we are here to guide you every step of the way. We are committed to making this process as clear and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details.

Understanding Product Liability in Georgia

Before diving into the trial process, it is important to understand what a product liability lawsuit involves. A product liability claim is based on the idea that a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer is responsible for putting a defective product into the hands of consumers. If that product causes injury or harm, the responsible party can be held accountable. In Georgia, these cases can be based on different types of defects, such as design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to provide adequate warnings about potential dangers.

When you bring a product liability case to court, you are essentially asking for justice for the harm caused by a product that should have been safe to use. The trial process may seem intimidating, but with the right legal support, it is a process you can navigate successfully. The steps involved in a trial are not always easy to predict, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared for what is ahead.

The First Step: Filing Your Lawsuit

The trial process begins long before you step into a courtroom. The first step is filing your lawsuit, which includes submitting legal paperwork to the court. This paperwork outlines the specifics of your case, including the type of defect in the product and how it caused your injury. Your attorney will work with you to gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. This might include medical records, witness statements, expert testimony, and the product itself if possible.

At this stage, your attorney will also work to identify the responsible parties in your case. This can include the manufacturer, the seller, or other companies involved in the production or distribution of the product. If there are multiple parties to blame, your case may involve complex legal arguments about who is ultimately responsible for your injuries.

Adam Princenthal

Attorney At Law

David May

Attorney At Law

Matthew Wilson

Attorney At Law

Discovery Process: Gathering Information

Once your lawsuit is filed, the next step is the discovery phase. During this time, both sides exchange information that will help build their case. Your attorney will gather documents, records, and other evidence from the defendant, and the defendant’s attorneys will do the same. This may involve requests for documents, depositions, and interrogatories, where you and other witnesses will be asked questions about the incident and your injuries.

In product liability cases, discovery is crucial because it helps both sides gather the evidence they need to prove their arguments. You may have to answer questions under oath about the accident, your injury, and how the product malfunctioned. Your attorney will guide you through this process and help you prepare for these questions. Although this part of the case can feel time-consuming, it is an important step in building a strong case that can be presented in front of a judge and jury.

Quote

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

Quote

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.

Quote

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

Pre-Trial Motions and Settlement Discussions

Before the trial officially begins, there may be several pre-trial motions filed by both sides. These motions can deal with various aspects of the case, such as requests to dismiss the case, exclude certain evidence, or determine what information is relevant to the case. Your attorney will help you understand these motions and work to ensure that your case moves forward as smoothly as possible.

In many product liability cases, both sides may engage in settlement discussions before the trial begins. Settlement talks are an opportunity for both parties to negotiate a resolution without going to court. Your attorney will carefully review any settlement offers and discuss them with you to determine if they are fair. Sometimes, a settlement is reached before the trial starts, but in other cases, it may be necessary to go to trial to seek the compensation you deserve.

What Happens During the Trial

If your case goes to trial, the process will look something like this. The trial will take place in front of a judge and jury. Both sides will present their evidence and arguments. The plaintiff’s side, which is you and your attorney, will present evidence to show that the product was defective and caused your injury. This may include testimony from medical professionals, experts in the field, and any other witnesses who can support your claim.

The defendant, or the party being sued, will also have the opportunity to present its side of the case. This may include expert witnesses who argue that the product was safe or that you were at fault for the accident. Both sides will have the chance to cross-examine each other’s witnesses and challenge the evidence presented.

Representative Cases

$4,686,616.96

Truck Collision

$2,400,000

Wrongful Death

$2,000,000

Auto Accident

$1,200,000

Products Liability

$1,350,000

Wrongful Death

$900,000

Bicycle Accident

Throughout the trial, your attorney will work tirelessly to show that the product was dangerous, that the manufacturer or seller was negligent, and that you deserve compensation for your injuries. The trial may last several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. At the end of the trial, the jury will deliberate and make a decision on whether or not the defendant is responsible for your injuries. If the jury rules in your favor, you may be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

The Appeals Process

After the trial, there may be a possibility for appeals. This means that if the losing party disagrees with the verdict, they can ask a higher court to review the case. Appeals can sometimes add time to the legal process, but in many cases, the original decision is upheld. Your attorney will help you understand whether an appeal is likely in your case and how it may affect the outcome.

The Role of Your Attorney in the Trial Process

Navigating a product liability lawsuit can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. An experienced attorney will guide you through each stage of the process, from the initial filing of your lawsuit to the final verdict. Your attorney will be there to help you understand your legal rights, protect your interests, and ensure that your case is presented effectively in court.

If you are dealing with a product liability case in Georgia, it is essential to have legal representation that understands the complexities of these cases and the local court system. At Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC, we are committed to providing compassionate and professional legal services to clients who have been harmed by defective products. We will work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve and fight for your rights every step of the way.

If you are currently dealing with a product liability case and want to ensure that you have the right team on your side, contact us today. We are ready to help you navigate the trial process and seek the justice you deserve.

To learn more about this subject click here: Can I Sue for Compensation if I Was Partially Responsible for the Product-Related Accident in Georgia?