Houston Product Liability Lawyers
Every day, Texas families place their trust in the products they purchase, whether it’s a household appliance, a child’s toy, or a vehicle. When consumer products function as intended, they make life easier, safer, and more efficient. However, when products are defective, they can cause severe injuries or even death. Defective product cases, also known as product liability claims, can involve anything from consumer goods to automotive parts and typically require a detailed investigation to determine the nature and cause of the defect.
At McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C., we represent individuals throughout Texas who have been harmed by dangerous and defective products. Our experienced legal team is prepared to take on complex product liability cases and hold negligent manufacturers accountable for the harm their products cause.
Types of Product Defects
Product defects generally fall into three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects, which are sometimes referred to as failure-to-warn cases. Each type of defect has unique characteristics and can impact consumer products and automobiles in different ways.
Design Defects
A design defect is an inherent flaw in the product’s blueprint or structure that makes the product unsafe even when manufactured correctly. When the basic design of a product is unsafe for its intended use, it can lead to widespread harm.
For consumer products, an example of a design defect would be a space heater that tips over too easily, creating a serious fire hazard. Another example might involve children’s toys that have small, detachable parts posing a choking risk. Even if these items are manufactured exactly according to the design specifications, they remain dangerous because the problem lies in the design itself.
In the automotive industry, design defects can include SUVs prone to rollovers due to a high center of gravity and narrow wheelbase, or a poorly designed fuel tank placement that increases the risk of fuel-fed fire or explosion in a collision. These design flaws can lead to devastating accidents and injuries.
Manufacturing Defects
A manufacturing defect occurs when the product’s design is sound, but an error in the manufacturing process results in a dangerous product. This type of defect typically affects only a portion of the products made, although the number of affected units can reach into the thousands, depending on the product.
For example, in consumer products, a manufacturing defect might involve a batch of pressure cookers with faulty seals that allow steam to escape, leading to serious burn injuries. In the automotive context, defective tires that separate while driving or improperly assembled airbags that fail to deploy are examples of manufacturing defects. These defects can cause accidents and life-altering injuries.
Marketing Defects or Failure to Warn
Marketing defects, also known as failure-to-warn claims, involve products that are dangerous in a way that may not be obvious to consumers and require adequate warnings or instructions for safe use.
A household cleaning product that contains toxic chemicals but lacks proper warning labels about the risk of inhalation or skin exposure would fall into this category. In automobiles, marketing defects might involve the failure to warn about the risks of certain features, such as airbags that may injure children if they are seated in the front passenger seat.
Without clear warnings and instructions, consumers may unknowingly use products in a way that exposes them to serious harm. Companies are responsible for providing sufficient information to protect users from hidden dangers.
Real-World Examples of Defective Products
Defective product cases can arise in many forms and industries. Common examples include:
- Consumer Products: Dangerous children’s toys, kitchen appliances that overheat, defective power tools, furniture that easily tips over, and unsafe electronics that can cause fires.
- Automotive Defects: Faulty brakes, defective airbags, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, and vehicles with rollover risks.
In each scenario, the injury could have been prevented if the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer had ensured the product was safe for consumer use or provided appropriate warnings.
The Complexity of Defective Product Cases
Product liability cases are among the most complex types of personal injury litigation. Several factors contribute to this complexity. First, product defect claims often involve large corporations, including manufacturers, distributors, and insurance companies, all of whom have significant resources to defend themselves aggressively.
These companies often have legal teams and technical experts dedicated to minimizing liability. Successfully pursuing a defective product case typically requires substantial investigation, access to engineering and safety experts, and a comprehensive understanding of product design, manufacturing processes, and federal safety standards. Detailed evidence must be gathered to demonstrate how the defect occurred and how it directly caused the injury.
Additionally, product liability cases frequently involve multiple parties across different states or even countries, especially when parts are manufactured overseas. This adds layers of complexity in determining jurisdiction, applicable laws, and responsible entities.
Texas product liability laws impose specific requirements for proving a defect and linking it to the injury. In some cases, manufacturers may argue that the injury resulted from product misuse or that the product was altered after purchase. Overcoming these defenses requires an experienced legal team that can develop strong, fact-based arguments.
Why You Need a Strong Legal Team on Your Side
When you suffer an injury due to a defective product, you are likely going up against powerful corporations with extensive legal resources. These companies may deny responsibility, delay the claims process, or offer settlements that do not fully compensate you for your losses.
Working with a skilled legal team is critical in these situations. At McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C., we understand the tactics that manufacturers and insurers use to avoid liability. We have the knowledge and resources to take on complex defective product cases and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys work closely with industry experts to analyze product designs, manufacturing processes, and failure points. We build comprehensive cases that clearly establish liability and the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation needs.
We approach each case with dedication and attention to detail because we know that defective product injuries can have a profound impact on your life. Whether your case involves a dangerous consumer product or a defective automobile, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable.
Contact McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C. for Help with Your Texas Product Liability Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product in Texas, don’t try to take on large corporations alone. The legal team at McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C. is here to handle all the complexities of product liability law and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact our Houston office today to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice you deserve.
