Injury from a Defective Product – Florida Product Liability Attorney
Every year, thousands of people across Florida are injured by dangerous or defective products. From faulty household appliances to defective medical devices, these hazards can cause serious harm — sometimes life-changing or even life-threatening. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a defective product, you may have the right to seek compensation under Florida’s product liability laws.
At Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law, we help injury victims hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable when their products cause harm.
Contact Us Today!
(727) 822-8818
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability is the legal responsibility that manufacturers, designers, distributors, and sellers have to ensure their products are safe for use. When a product is defective and causes injury, the law allows consumers to hold these parties accountable.
Product liability cases in Florida can arise from a variety of defective products, including:
- Household appliances
- Power tools
- Motor vehicles and parts
- Children’s toys
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Medical devices
- Sports and recreation equipment
- Food and beverage products
Types of Product Defects
Not all defective product claims are the same. Florida recognizes three primary categories of product defects:
1. Design Defects
These defects are present from the very beginning — in the product’s design. Even if manufactured perfectly, a dangerous design makes the product unsafe for normal use. Examples include:
- Toys with small detachable parts that pose choking hazards
- Unstable furniture that tips over easily
- Vehicles with a high rollover risk
2. Manufacturing Defects
These occur during the production process, resulting in products that deviate from the intended design. Examples include:
- Contaminated food or medication batches
- Faulty wiring in household appliances
- Structural flaws in building materials
3. Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn)
Also known as “failure to warn,” this occurs when a product lacks adequate instructions or safety warnings. Examples include:
- Cleaning products without toxicity warnings
- Medications without proper side-effect disclosures
- Power tools missing operational safety instructions
Proving a Product Liability Case in Florida
To recover damages for an injury from a defective product, your case must establish several key elements:
- The Product Was Defective
You must show that the product had a dangerous defect in design, manufacturing, or marketing. - The Defect Caused Your Injury
There must be a direct link between the defect and your injury. For example, if a defective brake system causes a car crash, that defect must be proven as the cause of your injuries. - Proper Product Use
You need to show that you used the product as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way. - You Suffered Actual Damages
This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
At Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law, we gather the evidence needed to prove each element, working closely with experts in engineering, product design, and safety testing.
Evidence in a Defective Product Case
Strong evidence can make or break a product liability claim. We help our clients gather:
- The defective product itself (unaltered)
- Original packaging, manuals, and labels
- Photos or videos of the product and injuries
- Medical records and treatment history
- Receipts or proof of purchase
- Witness statements
- Product recall notices or safety bulletins
- Expert reports identifying the defect
Steps to Take After an Injury from a Defective Product
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety are the top priority. Prompt medical care also creates a record linking the injury to the defective product.
2. Preserve the Product
Do not throw away, repair, or alter the product. Store it safely along with all packaging and documentation.
3. Document the Incident
Take photos of the product, your injuries, and where the incident occurred. Keep a written account of what happened.
4. Identify Witnesses
If anyone saw the incident, collect their contact information and written statements.
5. Contact a Product Liability Attorney
The sooner you involve an attorney, the sooner evidence can be preserved and your legal rights protected.
Contact Us Today!
(727) 822-8818
Compensation in Florida Product Liability Cases
Victims of defective product injuries may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, therapy, prescriptions.
- Lost Wages – Income lost during recovery.
- Loss of Earning Capacity – If you cannot return to your prior work.
- Pain and Suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage – Repair or replacement of damaged property.
In severe cases, punitive damages may be available to punish particularly reckless conduct by a manufacturer.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Claims
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(e), the general statute of limitations for a product liability claim is four years from the date of injury.
If the injury was not discovered immediately (as in cases involving latent defects), the “discovery rule” may apply, giving you four years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury.
Failing to file within the statute of limitations can bar your claim entirely — which is why speaking to a lawyer promptly is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions About Product Liability in Florida
Can I sue if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Florida follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the product was recalled after my injury?
A recall can support your case, but you must still prove the defect caused your injury.
Do I need the receipt to file a claim?
No. While proof of purchase helps, other evidence can establish ownership and use.
Can I file a claim if the product was a gift?
Yes. The right to bring a claim depends on the defect and resulting injury, not who purchased it.
How long do product liability cases take?
The timeline varies. Cases can settle in months or take years, depending on complexity and whether a trial is necessary.
Why Choose Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law
Choosing the right attorney can be the most important decision in your product liability case. Here’s why clients turn to us:
- Extensive Experience – Years of representing Florida injury victims in complex liability cases.
- Proven Results – Successful verdicts and settlements for defective product claims.
- Personalized Attention – Every case is handled directly by Attorney Jeanette Secor, not passed off to junior staff.
- Aggressive Advocacy – We are prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to win fair compensation.
- Contingency Fee Basis – You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Speak to a Florida Product Liability Attorney Today
If you’ve suffered an injury from a defective product, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing maximum compensation.
Contact Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law today for a free, confidential consultation. Call (727) 822-8818 or fill out our online contact form to get started.