Top Cedar Rapids, IA Product Liability Lawyers Near You

Do You Have a Product Liability Claim?

If you have been harmed by a defective product you may be compensated for your injuries. Product liability law encourages companies to design, build, and market safe products and when a product is not safe consumers may have legal recourse.

Product Liability Recourses Available

A defective product can be almost anything -- vehicles, medical devices, toys, dangerous drugs, machines -- and the flaw can be in the design or manufacture of the product. If someone suffers a personal injury while using the product, he or she can file a claim against the manufacturer and possibly its suppliers.

If you were injured, you will need to hire A Cedar Rapids attorney specializing in product liability cases. The attorney will develop evidence and witness accounts to build your case and bring in an expert to testify about faults in the product's design or manufacture to bolster your case.

What does a product liability lawyer do?

Much like a personal injury lawyer, a product liability lawyer represents people hurt or made sick by dangerous and defective products. A product liability attorney will negotiate a settlement on your behalf or represent you in court if your case needs to go to trial.

What is a product liability case?

Product liability cases cover nearly any injuries or illnesses caused by dangerous or defective consumer products. Some common examples include claims involving home appliances, power tools, swimming pools, children's toys, car parts, and prescription drugs. Claims are usually made against manufacturers of the products, companies that assemble or install products, or retailers that sell them.

What is a defense against product liability claims?

Products are supposed to come with specific warnings about any potential dangers, such as choking hazards on children's toys. The defense will investigate whether you were using the product in a way that ignored any clearly stated warnings. Manufacturers may also try to argue that they could not have foreseen certain dangers.

Top Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney

• How many years have you been practicing law? How long have you practiced law in the local area?
• How many cases similar to mine have you handled in the past?
• What is the likely outcome for my case?

In legal practice, experience matters. An experienced attorney will likely have handled issues similar to yours many, many times. Therefore, after listening to your situation, the attorney should have a reasonable idea of the time line for a case like yours and the likely resolution.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

Types of legal fees:

Bill by the hour: Many attorneys bill by the hour. How much an attorney bills you per hour will vary based on a number of factors. For instance, an attorney's hourly fee may fluctuate based on whether that hour is spent representing you in court or doing research on your case. Attorneys in one practice area may bill you more than attorneys in a different practice area.

Contingent fee: Some lawyers will accept payment via contingent fee. In this arrangement, the lawyer receives a percentage of the total monetary recovery if you win your lawsuit. In sum, the lawyer only gets paid if you win. Contingent fee agreements are limited to specific practice areas in civil law.

Flat fee: For "routine" legal work where the attorney generally knows the amount of time and resources necessary to complete the task, he/she may be willing to bill you a flat fee for services performed.