Product liability lawsuits arise when consumers are harmed by defective or unsafe products. If you’ve suffered an injury due to a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding the types of damages you can recover is crucial to ensuring you receive the full extent of what you deserve. Here, we break down the various forms of compensation available in a product liability lawsuit.
Types of Compensation in Product Liability Lawsuits
Medical Expenses
- Past Medical Bills: Includes all medical costs incurred from the moment of injury up to the present. This can cover hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and more.
- Future Medical Costs: If the injury requires ongoing medical care, you can recover costs for future treatment, which may include long-term therapy, future surgeries, and continued medication.
Lost Wages
- Past Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost from the time of injury until the resolution of your case. This includes any missed work due to hospitalization, recovery, and medical appointments.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury impacts your ability to work in the future, you may be compensated for the difference in your earning potential. This takes into account factors like age, occupation, and severity of the injury.
Pain and Suffering
This form of compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. It can be one of the more subjective aspects of a lawsuit, often requiring testimony from medical professionals and psychological experts to substantiate the claim.
Property Damage
If the defective product caused damage to your property (e.g., a car accident caused by a defective vehicle part), you can recover the costs to repair or replace the damaged property.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s behavior was especially egregious or reckless, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. They are not awarded in every case but can significantly increase the total compensation.
Loss of Consortium
This compensates for the negative impact the injury has had on your relationship with your spouse or family. It covers the loss of companionship, affection, and sexual relations.
Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Any additional expenses incurred due to the injury, such as transportation to medical appointments, hiring help for daily activities, or home modifications to accommodate a disability, can be included in your claim.
Navigating a product liability lawsuit can be complex, but understanding the various forms of compensation available can help ensure you receive the full amount you deserve. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf. If you’ve been injured by a defective product, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation to discuss your case.
