Virginia Beach Product Liability Lawyer

When you buy a product, whether it’s a household appliance or a children’s toy, you trust that it’s safe to use. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Defective or dangerous products cause thousands of injuries every year, from burns and lacerations to life-altering medical complications.

If you or a loved one has been injured, you may be entitled to compensation. At Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, our Virginia Beach product liability lawyers help hold negligent manufacturers, retailers, and others accountable. As a family-run firm serving Virginians since 1973, we understand the impact these injuries can have, and we work to guide you through the legal process with confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Is Product Liability?

Product liability is the legal responsibility a company has when a product it makes, sells, or distributes causes harm. These cases often involve the everyday products people use and trust. From power tools to kitchen appliances, prescription drugs, and auto parts, companies have a responsibility to keep their customers safe when using the products they make.

If a product is unreasonably dangerous because of a design flaw, a manufacturing mistake, or a lack of proper warnings, and someone gets hurt, the companies involved in creating, marketing, or selling that product may be liable for the resulting injuries.

Can You Sue a Company for a Defective Product?

Yes. If you were injured while using a product as intended, you may be able to file a claim. However, Virginia handles these cases differently from many other states.

In some states, product liability claims can be brought under “strict liability.” This means you only need to show that the product was defective and caused your injury. There is no need to prove the company was negligent.

Virginia does not recognize strict liability. Instead, claims must be based on negligence or breach of warranty. This means you must show that the company failed to act with reasonable care or that the product did not live up to the promises or expectations made to consumers. Because you must prove fault, not just that an injury occurred, these cases can be more challenging to win, and it is essential to work with an attorney who has experience handling these types of claims.

Types of Defects That May Qualify for a Claim

Defective products typically fall into one of three categories. Understanding which applies to your case helps determine who may be at fault and how your claim should proceed.

1. Design Defects

These occur when the product’s design is inherently dangerous, even if it is made exactly as intended. For example, a space heater that tends to overheat and catch fire because of poor airflow design.

2. Manufacturing Defects

Here, the product’s design is safe, but something went wrong during production or assembly. If, for instance, an entire batch of bicycle helmets is made with defective materials that crack on impact, the victims would likely be able to file a products liability claim due to a manufacturing defect.

3. Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn)

Sometimes, a product is dangerous only because consumers weren’t properly warned of the risks or instructed on safe use. This can be especially true of medications. Prescription drugs that may interact with a popular over-the-counter medication must say so, alerting the patient not to use them together.

Each type of defect requires a different investigative approach, and our attorneys know how to uncover where things went wrong and who’s responsible.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Product?

Liability for a defective product doesn’t always stop with one party. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

• Manufacturers. Manufacturers may be liable due to improper design, production, or assembly errors.
• Distributors or wholesalers. These parties are responsible for ensuring that dangerous products do not reach the market.
• Retailers. A retailer could be liable for selling a product they knew or should have known was unsafe.
• Marketers. Misleading advertisements or a lack of adequate warnings about a product can cause marketers to be liable.

At Huffman & Huffman, our lawyers know how to trace a product’s path from factory to store shelf to determine where negligence occurred. Holding all parties accountable helps increase your chances of a full financial recovery.

What Compensation Can You Recover Through a Virginia Beach Product Liability Claim?

The impact of a defective product injury can be significant, physically, emotionally, and financially. Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including past and future care.
• Lost income while recovering from your injury.
• Reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement.

In tragic cases where a loved one dies, compensation may also include wrongful death damages, such as funeral and burial costs. Our attorneys will carefully review the full scope of your losses to pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Virginia law.

How Our Virginia Beach Product Liability Lawyers Can Help

Because Virginia doesn’t follow strict liability laws, winning a product liability case requires more than simply showing that the product caused harm. You must prove negligence, breach of warranty, or another theory of fault. You need an experienced team to get the job done.

At Huffman & Huffman, we conduct in-depth investigations to uncover evidence of design flaws, production errors, or inadequate warnings. Our attorneys work closely with engineers and other industry specialists to build a strong and credible case on your behalf. We take the time to identify every potentially liable party so no one escapes accountability, and no avenue for recovery is left unexplored.

Throughout the process, we handle all communications and negotiations with large corporations and their insurance companies, allowing you to focus on healing while we fight for the justice you deserve. And if settlement offers fall short, our experienced trial lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to court.

As a trusted local firm with offices in Virginia Beach, we understand the laws, courts, and insurers that shape Virginia product liability claims. And because we are a family-run firm, you’ll work with a team that truly cares and stands by your side every step of the way.

Virginia Beach Product Liability Lawyer: FAQs

Do I need to keep the defective product?

Yes. If possible, preserve the product in its current condition and store it safely. It may serve as key evidence in proving your claim. Don’t attempt to repair or modify it before speaking with your attorney.

How long do I have to file a product liability claim in Virginia?

In most cases, Virginia’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. However, exceptions may apply. For example, if the defect wasn’t discovered right away, the statute may be different. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What if the product was made overseas?

Even if a product was manufactured in another country, you may still have a valid claim against the importer, distributor, or U.S. retailer that sold it. Our attorneys can help identify the appropriate parties to hold accountable.

Do you have a product liability attorney near me?

Yes. Huffman & Huffman proudly serves clients out of our Virginia Beach office at 4780 Euclid Road. Call us or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Get Help After a Defective Product Injury in Virginia Beach

When a product you trusted ends up causing serious harm, you deserve answers and justice. Let Huffman & Huffman fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

Call us or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with a Virginia Beach product liability lawyer. At Huffman & Huffman, our family is here to help yours.