Zayed Law Offices is proud to serve Chicago and communities across Illinois with experienced personal injury representation, including cases involving defective and dangerous products. Consumers throughout Cook County trust that the vehicles, appliances, tools, medical devices, and everyday household products they purchase have been properly designed, manufactured, and labeled to be safe for their intended use. When a defective product causes injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer responsible may be held liable regardless of how careful the consumer was.
Product liability cases often involve large corporations with significant legal resources dedicated to minimizing claims. Zayed Law Offices has the experience and resources to take on these companies and pursue full compensation for injured consumers and their families.
Injured by a defective product in Chicago? Contact Zayed Law Offices for the representation you deserve — no fee unless we win.
Common Types of Product Defects
Product liability claims generally fall into one of three categories, each representing a different type of failure in how a product was designed, made, or marketed. Zayed Law Offices investigates claims involving:
- Design defects, where a product’s design is inherently unsafe even when manufactured correctly
- Manufacturing defects, where an error during production makes an individual product unsafe despite a safe overall design
- Failure to warn, where a product lacks adequate instructions or warnings about known risks
Common examples of defective products leading to serious injury include:
- Defective vehicles or vehicle parts, including faulty brakes, airbags, or tires
- Dangerous pharmaceuticals with undisclosed side effects
- Defective medical devices
- Malfunctioning household appliances
- Faulty power tools and machinery
- Children’s products and toys with choking or safety hazards
- Defective furniture prone to tipping
- Contaminated food products
- Dangerous chemicals or cleaning products lacking adequate warnings
Because these defects can affect an entire product line, a single design or manufacturing flaw can result in injuries to many consumers before the danger is identified and addressed.
Injuries Caused by Defective Products
The injuries caused by defective products vary widely depending on the product involved, but can range from relatively minor to catastrophic or fatal. Zayed Law Offices regularly assists clients dealing with:
- Burns from malfunctioning appliances or overheating devices
- Traumatic brain injuries from vehicle defects or falls
- Amputations from defective machinery or power tools
- Internal injuries from dangerous medications
- Choking injuries from defective children’s products
- Electrocution from faulty wiring or electronics
- Poisoning from contaminated products
- Wrongful death
Because these injuries often occur without warning during ordinary, expected use of a product, victims are frequently left with significant medical expenses and no clear understanding of what went wrong until an investigation reveals the underlying defect.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Product
Product liability claims can involve multiple parties along the chain of distribution, including:
- Product manufacturers
- Component part manufacturers
- Distributors and wholesalers
- Retailers who sold the product
- Companies responsible for product design or testing
Because more than one party may share responsibility for a defective product reaching the market, a thorough investigation is often necessary to identify every available source of compensation.
Proving a Product Liability Claim Under Illinois Law
Illinois recognizes strict liability for certain product defect claims, meaning an injured consumer may not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent, only that the product was unreasonably dangerous and that this defect caused their injury while using the product as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way. Other claims may be based on negligence or breach of warranty theories, depending on the circumstances.
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning an injured consumer can recover compensation as long as they are found less than 51 percent at fault for their own harm. Manufacturers and their insurers frequently argue that a product was misused or that a warning was adequate, making thorough investigation and expert testimony essential to a successful claim.
Illinois’ Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Claims
Illinois generally requires personal injury claims, including product liability cases, to be filed within two years of the date the injury occurred or was discovered. However, Illinois also imposes a statute of repose for certain product liability claims, which can limit the time to file a claim based on when the product was originally sold, regardless of when the injury occurred. Because these rules can be complex, it is important to consult an attorney promptly after a product-related injury.
What to Do After a Defective Product Injury
The steps you take after being injured by a defective product can significantly affect both your health and your legal claim.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Preserve the product involved, along with its packaging, manual, and any receipts
- Photograph the product and your injuries
- Avoid altering or attempting to repair the product yourself
- Report the incident to the manufacturer or the Consumer Product Safety Commission if appropriate
- Avoid signing any statements provided by the manufacturer’s insurer before speaking with an attorney
The sooner Zayed Law Offices becomes involved, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence and investigating whether other consumers have experienced similar injuries with the same product.
Why Chicago Consumers Trust Zayed Law Offices
Zayed Law Offices is a nationally recognized personal injury firm known for taking on complex product liability claims against well-funded corporate defendants. Led by attorney Adam Zayed, the firm has represented injured consumers throughout Cook County, including matters brought before the Cook County Circuit Court at the Richard J. Daley Center, and understands how to build a strong case establishing a product’s defect and its connection to your injury.
Product liability cases require detailed technical investigation and, often, testimony from qualified engineering or safety experts. Our team works to build the strongest possible case, allowing clients to focus on their recovery while we pursue the compensation they deserve. Consultations are always free, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Product Liability Claims
Do I need to prove the manufacturer was negligent?
Not necessarily. Illinois recognizes strict liability for certain product defect claims, meaning you may only need to show that the product was unreasonably dangerous and caused your injury, without proving the manufacturer acted negligently.
What if I was using the product in a way it wasn’t intended for?
Liability generally depends on whether the product was used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way. An attorney can help evaluate whether your use of the product falls within this standard.
How long do I have to file a product liability claim in Illinois?
Claims generally must be filed within two years of the injury, though Illinois also imposes a statute of repose that can limit claims based on when the product was originally sold. An attorney can clarify the deadlines that apply to your situation.
What if other people were also injured by the same product?
If multiple consumers were harmed by the same defective product, this can strengthen a claim and may be relevant to broader legal action against the manufacturer.
What compensation might be available in a product liability case?
Depending on the case, victims may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and compensation for long-term or permanent injuries.
What does it cost to hire Zayed Law Offices?
Nothing upfront. Zayed Law Offices handles product liability cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no cost unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Zayed Law Offices Today
Injured consumers across Illinois have trusted Zayed Law Offices when they needed a powerful advocate against manufacturers of defective products. Don’t wait — important filing deadlines could limit your right to recover. Contact Zayed Law Offices today for your free consultation.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Chicago, IL
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-1616
Business Hours: 24/7
