Atlanta Product Liability Lawyer – Defective Product Injury Attorneys - Rafaeli Law PLLC

When a defective or unsafe product causes injury or loss, you deserve answers and accountability. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our experienced Atlanta product liability lawyers fight for individuals harmed by defective consumer goods, automotive parts, medical devices, and other products. We hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when their products fail the people who trust them.

Understanding Product Liability Law in Georgia

Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers and sellers for placing defective products into the hands of consumers. In Georgia, these claims typically fall under:

  • Strict Liability: The manufacturer can be held liable regardless of fault if the product was defective and caused harm.
  • Negligence: Failure to design, manufacture, or warn properly.
  • Breach of Warranty: When products do not meet stated or implied promises.

These legal theories protect consumers from harm by promoting accountability among businesses. Georgia’s laws under Georgia Code §51-1-11 support victims by allowing claims within a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. If the product caused a fatality, the wrongful death statute may apply, with an extended time frame and additional compensation routes.

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How Do You Prove a Product Liability Case in Georgia?

To succeed in a product liability claim, your attorney must prove the following elements:

  1. The product was defective: The flaw must be in design, manufacturing, or labeling.
  2. You used it as intended, Or in a manner that the manufacturer should have reasonably foreseen.
  3. You suffered injury or damage: Verified through medical records, reports, or expert testimony.
  4. The defect caused the injury: There must be a clear causal link between the product and your harm.

Our legal team partners with engineers, product safety consultants, and forensic experts to build robust evidence in your case. Explore more about medical malpractice and how product defects may intersect with healthcare.

What Makes a Product Defective?

Georgia recognizes three primary types of product defects:

  • Design Defects: The product is inherently unsafe due to a flaw in its blueprint. For example, a ladder is prone to tipping over due to an unstable base.
  • Manufacturing Defects: Even if the design is sound, the product is made incorrectly. This includes errors like contaminated medicine or faulty welds in metal parts.
  • Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn): This includes insufficient warnings or unclear usage instructions. A good example is an over-the-counter medicine lacking side effect disclosure.

Each type of defect requires different strategies and forms of evidence to prove in court. See related claims under premises & property injuries.

Why Product Liability Lawsuits Matter

These lawsuits are not just about compensation; they improve public safety. Companies may be forced to:

  • Recall dangerous products: Preventing harm to other consumers.
  • Redesign items to meet higher safety standards.
  • Improve warning labels and instructions: Helping others make informed decisions.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports over 28 million annual emergency visits in the U.S. linked to consumer products. In 2023, Georgia ranked 8th nationally for emergency room visits tied to product-related injuries, underscoring the risk in our local communities.

High-profile examples include:

  • Takata Airbags: Recalled after multiple deaths from metal shrapnel during deployment.
  • Peloton Treadmills: Caused serious injuries to children due to a dangerous rear roller.
  • Pressure Cookers: Exploding lids resulted in severe burns and kitchen fires.

Holding companies accountable makes a difference for everyone.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

When you have been hurt due to a faulty product, your recovery should address more than just your medical bills. Possible damages include:

  • Medical expenses: Including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing therapy costs.
  • Lost wages and future earning losses: If the injury impacts your ability to work.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for both physical pain and emotional trauma.
  • Disability or disfigurement: Covers long-term or permanent injuries affecting quality of life.
  • Wrongful death benefits: For surviving family members of those fatally injured.
  • Punitive damages: When the at-fault company acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

See other catastrophic injury claims under wrongful death.

Common Types of Defective Product Cases We Handle

Our Atlanta defective product attorneys handle a wide range of product liability lawsuits. These often involve everyday items you trust:

Type of Product

Common Defects

Potential Injuries

Automobiles & Car Parts

Faulty brakes, exploding airbags, and tire tread separation

Crashes, traumatic brain injury, paralysis

Medical Devices

Faulty implants, defective pacemakers, catheter malfunctions

Internal bleeding, organ failure, infections

Pharmaceuticals

Dangerous side effects, mislabeling, undisclosed risks

Stroke, liver failure, birth defects

Household Appliances

Overheating, wiring defects, fire hazards

Burns, electrocution, house fires

Children’s Products & Toys

Choking parts, toxic paint, poor labeling

Suffocation, poisoning, allergic reactions

These examples are just the beginning. Defective products cause thousands of injuries every year in Georgia homes and workplaces. To learn how we’ve helped others, read client testimonials.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Product in Georgia?

Liability often extends beyond the manufacturer. Other responsible parties can include:

  • Retailers: Brick-and-mortar or online stores that sell dangerous goods.
  • Distributors and wholesalers: Companies that handle logistics and delivery.
  • Importers: Especially in cases where overseas manufacturers are unreachable.
  • Component Suppliers: If a single defective part caused the harm.

Georgia law allows joint liability when more than one party shares responsibility. We pursue every liable entity in the product’s distribution chain to maximize your claim.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

  • Proven Experience: We’ve successfully handled high-stakes product cases against major corporations.
  • Resourceful Investigations: From forensic testing to industry expert reviews, we gather the strongest possible evidence.
  • Tailored Legal Strategy: No cookie-cutter plans, your legal approach will reflect your specific injuries and goals.
  • Client Support: Clear communication, step-by-step updates, and no-pressure consultations.

Explore our attorneys and our firm’s mission to understand our commitment to Georgia families.

Act Quickly – Georgia’s Product Liability Statute of Limitations

In most cases, Georgia gives you just two years to file a personal injury claim related to a defective product. Additionally, there’s a 10-year statute of repose from the date the product was first sold, meaning even if the injury happens later, your time may be limited.

Preserving evidence early is key:

  • Keep the product in its current condition (do not repair or dispose of it).
  • Gather documentation, including photos, purchase receipts, warranty cards, and instruction manuals.
  • Seek prompt medical evaluation and retain all records to demonstrate injury and causation.

Don’t lose your legal rights to delay. Our team is ready to take action now. See our case results and client stories.

Contact an Atlanta Product Liability Lawyer Today

Have you or a loved one been hurt by a dangerous or defective product in Georgia? Rafaeli Law PLLC is ready to help. Our firm represents clients in Atlanta, Fulton County, and throughout North Georgia.

Call 954-365-5639 or contact us online for a free consultation.

For legal tips and updates, visit our blog.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifies as a product liability case in Georgia?

A product liability case in Georgia involves injuries caused by defective or unsafe products. These can include design flaws, manufacturing errors, or failure to warn. For example, a car airbag that deploys improperly or an over-the-counter drug that lacks proper labeling may be grounds for legal action under Georgia Code §51-1-11.

2. How long do I have to file a defective product lawsuit in Atlanta?

In Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there's also a 10-year statute of repose, which limits claims based on the product’s first sale date. It’s important to contact an attorney quickly to preserve your rights.

3. Can I sue a store in Atlanta for selling me a defective product?

Yes. Under Georgia law, retailers can be held liable alongside manufacturers and distributors if they sold a defective product that caused injury, even if they did not create or design it. Liability often applies to both local and online sellers.

4. What should I do if I’m injured by a defective product in Atlanta?

Immediately seek medical care and preserve the product in its damaged state. Collect purchase receipts, product packaging, and any warnings or instructions. Then, contact a local Atlanta product liability lawyer like Rafaeli Law PLLC for a case review.

5. What compensation can I receive in a product liability lawsuit in Georgia?

You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability compensation, and, in severe cases, punitive damages. Georgia law allows these if the manufacturer showed gross negligence or willful misconduct.

6. Are product recalls necessary to file a lawsuit?

No. A product does not have to be recalled for you to file a claim. Many lawsuits are filed long before or even without a recall. If the product is proven defective and caused harm, you may still have a strong case.

7. Who can be held responsible in a Georgia defective product case?

Potentially liable parties include the manufacturer, component supplier, distributor, importer, and retailer. Our attorneys investigate the full distribution chain to determine all responsible parties under Georgia’s joint liability laws.

8. Do I need expert witnesses for a product liability case in Atlanta?

Yes. Expert testimony is often critical in proving that the product was defective and caused your injury. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we work with engineers, product safety consultants, and forensic analysts to support your claim.

9. How do I find the best product liability lawyer in Atlanta, GA?

Look for a lawyer with experience handling complex product cases, strong client testimonials, and a clear understanding of Georgia’s liability laws. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our Atlanta-based team has the local insight and legal resources needed to take on even the largest manufacturers.

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.