Of the 2,322 Home Depot stores in the country, California has the most with 246. What this means is that when you need to shop for tools or other home improvement products, it’s likely that you’ll end up at one of these locations. As a consumer, you have the right to be safe when you buy and use products from Home Depot.
You shouldn’t have to worry about getting hurt by design flaws or defects when using a product as intended. It’s the responsibility of big companies and manufacturers to make sure their products are designed and made safely, including providing any necessary warnings. Sometimes accidents happen, but if a product is unsafe and you weren’t given a proper warning, you could get seriously injured.
Dedicated California Defective Product Lawyers
These types of accidents are called “defective product” accidents, and according to California law, you and other consumers have the right to hold these companies accountable for not keeping you safe. It’s important to know your rights, but having our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Maison Law on your side can help you better understand your options.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
California Law and Defective Products
Under California law, if a manufacturer knowingly sells a defective product, they are legally responsible for any injuries or accidents caused by that product. This responsibility applies not only to the manufacturer but also to the distributors and sellers involved in the supply chain. There are various types of products that can be defective or dangerous and potentially cause harm, such as:
- Auto parts
- Children’s toys
- Household appliances
- Machinery
- Prescription medications
- Unsafe consumer products with faulty designs
These defective and dangerous products fall under “product liability” claims, which means that you (or any other victims of accidents) can hold the entire company–including Home Depot in their capacity as the seller–accountable for the injuries you suffered while using their product.
What is a Defective Product in California?
In California, when a company wants to manufacture or sell a product, they have a legal responsibility to ensure that the product is safe and free from defects. This responsibility applies throughout the entire supply process, including:
- Designing
- Manufacturing
- Distributing
- Leasing
- Selling
If a product is found to be defective when it leaves the company’s control, the company can be held liable for any harm caused by the defect. This is known as “strict liability.” Under strict liability, you or the injured party do not have to prove that the company intended to cause harm. It is sufficient to demonstrate that the company was negligent. Like other claims, there are four elements of negligence in a defective product claim:
The company or manufacturer has a legal obligation to ensure that their defective product does not cause harm to individuals. If they fail to fulfill this duty, the following elements must be established to support a potential claim:
- Duty – The company or manufacturer owes a duty to the injured person to prevent accidents caused by defective products.
- Breach – The company or manufacturer has breached this duty by producing or selling a defective product.
- Injury – You or someone else has suffered an injury due to the product defect.
- Proximate Cause – There is a clear causal link between the company, manufacturer, or seller’s breach of duty and the product causing the injury.
Once liability is established by meeting these elements, a significant hurdle in a potential claim is overcome. However, various factors can come into play in a defective product claim. Companies often use the defense of “foreseeability” to argue that they cannot reasonably foresee every potential hazard related to their products.
While it is true that companies cannot anticipate every possible danger, the strict liability standard requires them to exercise a “reasonable” level of care for the products they manufacture and distribute.
Home Depot’s Responsibility in a California Product Liability Claim
In their role as a seller of a product, Home Depot is part of the supply chain. Thus, the company carries a level of responsibility for any injuries or damage caused by a defective product that they sell. While every situation is different, Home Depot’s responsibility for a defective product comes into play in the following ways:
- Distribution – Home Depot sold or gave the product to the consumer.
- Knowledge of Defect – Home Depot may be 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 didn’t give enough warnings or instructions about how to use the product safely.
- 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.
It’s important to remember that each case is unique, and the determination of who is responsible for the harm caused by a defective product depends on the specific details and evidence. If you believe you were harmed by a defective product you bought from Home Depot in California, it’s a good idea to talk to our personal injury lawyers. We can help you understand your options for making a legal claim and figure out if Home Depot might be held responsible in your situation.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer For a Defective Product From Home Depot?
Deciding whether to hire a personal injury lawyer for a defective product bought from Home Depot depends on factors like how severe your injuries are, how complex your case is, and the potential compensation you could receive. While it’s not mandatory, there are reasons why it can help:
- Legal expertise – Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience in navigating complex legal matters, including product liability claims. Through our experience in dealing with cases involving defective products, we can significantly benefit your claim.
- Case evaluation – Our personal injury lawyers can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, evaluating the evidence, applicable laws, and the potential liability of Home Depot. We can also provide an informed opinion on the likelihood of success and the potential compensation you may be entitled to receive.
- Legal representation – Hiring a lawyer means having someone who can handle all the legal aspects of your case. We will communicate and negotiate with Home Depot and their insurance company on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and advocating for fair compensation.
- Building an effective case – Our team of personal injury lawyers has the resources and skills to investigate the product defect, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts if needed. From that, we can build an effective case to support your claim and maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
- Settlement negotiation – In many cases, personal injury claims are settled out of court. Having our lawyers represent you increase the likelihood of reaching a fair settlement, as we are experienced in negotiating with companies like Home Depot and their insurance companies.
Ultimately, the decision to hire a personal injury lawyer for a defective product claim from Home Depot is up to you. As with any claim, it’s in your best interest to at least speak with our team. We offer free consultations and there’s no obligation to you.
Damages
When you have a viable product liability claim against Home Depot in California, you can potentially recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages, in some cases
Free Consultations For Injury Victims in California
Nobody should suffer from injuries caused by a defective product, especially when Home Depot is responsible for selling it and knew about the potential risks. While accidents can sometimes happen unexpectedly, if you were injured while using a product correctly due to a flaw or defect, you have legal rights.
At Maison Law, we are dedicated to supporting consumers and accident victims in California. We can assist you in gathering evidence and pursuing a claim against companies that prioritize profits over your safety. If you have been harmed by a defective product, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
