Product Liability and Tennessee Wrongful Death Claims

By Thomas Greer | January 26, 2015

We all know that we will die one day; that is the reality of life. But when we lose a loved one prematurely, it seems unfair. Indeed it sometimes is, when the death is caused by a defect in the manufacturing of a product we use.

We like to think that all the products we use from day to day are safe; unfortunately, this is not always the case. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that defective products cause about 29 million injuries and 22,000 deaths each year. And every year, Tennessee wrongful death claims are filed on behalf of innocent victims of product liability.

What types of products can be dangerous?

lmost anything used by humans that was manufactured and distributed for sale can be defective. Here are some common ones:

  • Appliances like space heaters, microwaves and washing machines
  • Tools we use every day like power saws, nail guns and even vacuum cleaners
  • Household products including aerosols and cleaning supplies
  • Food can be contaminated in many ways
  • Medicines including both over-the-counter and prescription drugs
  • Children’s products like cribs, swings, strollers and car seats
  • Motor vehicle parts like brakes, seat belts, gas tanks and accelerators

What are the most common reasons for product defects?

A defect in a product can happen during any stage in the manufacturing process. The steps of manufacturing any product include:

  • Research and Design: During this critical phase, the product safety must be carefully planned. If design flaws remain, the product can be unsafe from the beginning.
  • Product Testing: Federal safety standards require rigorous testing. If this testing is incomplete, hazards may be passed by.
  • Manufacturing: When a product is manufactured, there are many ways defects can occur.
  • Marketing: Every product must include consumer warnings of any risks associated with its use.
  • Distribution: As products leave the manufacturing plant, care must be taken that they are moved and stored properly.

As Tennessee wrongful death attorneys, we know just how devastating losing a loved one because of someone else’s mistake can be. At Bailey & Greer, we urge you to contact us right away if you think your loved one died because of a defective product in Tennessee. Call toll free today at 901-680-9777 or fill out the confidential contact form on this page for a free case consultation.

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