With over 2,300 stores, Home Depot is the world’s single largest retailer of home improvement products. Of these stores, many are right here in Fresno. This means that when you’re shopping for tools or home improvement products, chances are you’ll visit stores like Home Depot. As a consumer, you deserve to feel safe when using their products.
You shouldn’t have to worry about getting hurt due to design flaws or defects while using a product as intended. Big companies and manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe and provide necessary warnings. Accidents can happen, but if a product is unsafe and lacks proper warnings, it could result in serious injuries.
Free Consultations For Fresno Injury Victims
If you experience such accidents, they are known as “defective product” accidents. California law gives you and other consumers the right to hold these companies accountable for not keeping you safe. It’s crucial to know your rights, and our experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers at Maison Law can help you understand your options.
For more information, contact us today for a free consultation.
How Does a Defective Product Cause Injuries in Fresno?
In Fresno and throughout California, companies like Home Depot have a legal obligation to make sure their products are safe and free from defects before they can manufacture or sell them. This responsibility covers the entire supply process, including the:
- Design
- Manufacture
- Distribution
- Lease
- Sale
Even with this responsibility in place, defective products still reach consumers in Fresno. When that happens, injuries can happen. Usually, they occur in the following ways:
- Design defects – A product may have inherent flaws in its design, making it unsafe even before it is manufactured. These defects can make the product prone to accidents or malfunction in a way that harms the user.
- Manufacturing defects – Manufacturing errors can cause products to deviate from their intended design, making them unsafe and prone to accidents and injuries.
- Inadequate instructions or warnings – If a product does not have proper instructions for safe use or lacks adequate warnings about potential hazards, users may not be aware of the risks involved, leading to accidents and injuries.
- Faulty components – A product may contain substandard or faulty components, which can fail or break, causing accidents and injuries to users.
- Contaminated products – Food, drugs, or other products that become contaminated during production or distribution can pose serious health risks to consumers.
- Insufficient testing – Inadequate testing of a product before it is released to the market can fail to identify potential safety issues, leading to injuries once the product is used by consumers.
- Recalled products – Sometimes, products may be recalled after they are defective or dangerous. However, if consumers continue to use these products unaware of the recall, injuries can occur.
Manufacturers and companies must ensure their products are safe for consumers. If a defective product causes injuries in Fresno, the injured person can seek compensation through a product liability claim. First, though, it’s important to understand how California law works and how Home Depot is responsible.
How Is Home Depot Responsible For Defective Products in Fresno?
As a seller of products, Home Depot is part of the supply chain, which means they bear some responsibility for any injuries or damage caused by a defective product they sold. First and foremost, Home Depot–like any other person or entity in California–has a duty to keep the public safe.
As such, if a product they sell is defective when it leaves the store, Home Depot can be held responsible for any harm caused by the product. In legal terms, this is known as “strict liability.”
Under strict liability, you don’t have to prove that Home Depot intended to cause harm; it’s enough to show they were negligent. There are four elements to prove negligence in a defective product claim:
- The company has a legal obligation to ensure its product doesn’t cause harm.
- The company failed in this obligation by making or selling a defective product.
- Someone was injured due to a product defect.
- There is a clear link between the company’s breach and the injury caused by the product.
Once these elements are met, you can establish liability. However, Home Depot may use the defense of “foreseeability” to argue that they couldn’t have predicted every possible danger related to their products. Still, the extent of Home Depot’s responsibility in a product liability claim can be determined by the following factors:
- Distribution – Home Depot sold or provided the product to the consumer.
- Knowledge of defect – Home Depot may be held responsible if they knew or should have known about the product’s defect or danger when they sold it.
- Failure to warn – Home Depot can be held accountable if they did not provide adequate warnings or instructions about the safe use of the product.
- Negligence – If Home Depot mishandled the product or did something wrong that led to the defect or caused more harm, they may be considered negligent.
Every case is unique, and the responsibility for injuries caused by a defective product hinges on the specific evidence and details involved. If you think you were hurt by a defective product bought from Home Depot in Fresno, it’s a good idea to consult our personal injury lawyers. We can guide you on your legal options and determine if Home Depot may be held accountable in your specific situation.
Should You Hire a Fresno Personal Injury Attorney If You’ve Been Injured By a Product at Home Depot?
Chances are, if you’ve been injured by a Home Depot product in Fresno, you’re facing significant financial and medical challenges. Every case is unique, but it’s always in your best interests to explore your legal options when you’ve been hurt. That’s where our team of experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers comes in. We have the experience and knowledge that you need to get the benefits and support you deserve under the law.
Throughout our years of practice, we have developed a proven system of success in dealing with defective products from Home Depot and other businesses. While not required, hiring our firm can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Expertise in the law – Our personal injury lawyers possess extensive experience dealing with intricate product liability claims, which can significantly enhance the strength of your case.
- Assessing your case – We will thoroughly examine the merits and weaknesses of your situation, scrutinize the evidence and relevant laws, and ascertain Home Depot’s potential liability. Our informed assessment will provide valuable insights into the likelihood of a successful outcome and the potential compensation you may receive.
- Representation by legal professionals – By enlisting our services, you gain a dedicated advocate who will handle all legal aspects of your case, including communication and negotiation with Home Depot and their insurance company. We are committed to safeguarding your rights and striving for fair compensation on your behalf.
- Constructing a compelling case – Our team possesses the necessary resources and expertise to investigate product defects, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts if necessary. These efforts are aimed at building a robust case that supports your claim and significantly improves your chances of a favorable resolution.
- Skilled settlement negotiations – With extensive experience in negotiating with companies like Home Depot and their insurers, we increase the probability of securing a fair settlement without resorting to court proceedings.
Ultimately, the decision to hire a personal injury lawyer is up to you, but speaking with our team is in your best interest. We offer free consultations with no obligation.
Damages
When you have a valid product liability claim against Home Depot in Fresno, you can potentially recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- In some cases, punitive damages
Work With Experienced Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers
If you were injured due to a defective product sold by Home Depot, you have legal rights. At Maison Law, we are committed to supporting Fresno consumers and accident victims. We can help you gather evidence and pursue a claim against companies that prioritize profits over safety. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
