What Can a Lawyer Do After an Injury Caused by a Defective Product?
Product liability claims often involve extensive investigations and complex questions about how a product failed and who should be held responsible. Having an experienced legal team can make a significant difference when pursuing compensation against manufacturers and large corporations.
Our Oakland defective product lawyers help clients by:
- Investigating the product failure: Determining how the defect caused the injury.
- Gathering critical evidence: Preserving the product, packaging, warnings, recall notices, and medical records.
- Identifying liable parties: Determining who may be responsible for the defect.
- Working with experts: Consulting engineers, safety specialists, and medical professionals when needed.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Protecting clients while working to maximize a personal injury settlement in California.
- Pursuing litigation when needed: Taking cases to court when a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Founded by respected trial lawyers Mark Venardi and Martin Zurada, the firm has extensive experience handling complex litigation and standing up to large corporations, including Fortune 500 companies. That experience helps us build strong cases against businesses that place dangerous products into the hands of consumers, while our client testimonials highlight the responsive and personalized support we provide along the way.
"Highly Recommend"
Highly recommend them! I am very new to legal cases yet I was very thankful for the effective communication and help I got from the team. Speaking Spanish also helped me feel like home, thank you.
Anayely R.
"Helpful, Informative, and Reliable"
This was the first time I’ve ever used an attorney for anything in my life. Not knowing what to expect, Ryan Kraft helped me through the process of my personal injury claim with no major issues. Now that things are settled, I’m very happy with the service and outcome of my claim. Also, Ariana was helpful in keeping me informed periodically, which was very appreciated. Hopefully, I won’t need an attorney in the future, but if I did, I wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again.
Jim H.
"Clear Communication, Exceptional Results"
I had a positive experience with Venardi Zurada LLP for my personal injury case in Oakland. The legal team was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to my needs. They guided me through the legal process, providing clear explanations and updates along the way. The firm’s dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients was evident, and I felt supported throughout the entire process. I appreciate their expertise and would recommend Venardi Zurada LLP to others seeking reliable representation in personal injury matters.
Tatytecktonik
Is the Manufacturer the Only Possible Liable Party in a Product Liability Claim?
The manufacturer is not always the only party that can be held liable in a product liability claim. Depending on the circumstances, multiple businesses or individuals may share responsibility for a dangerous product and the injuries it causes.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Manufacturers: Companies that produce defective products, such as a coffee maker that explodes and causes burns.
- Distributors and suppliers: Businesses that continue distributing dangerous products despite known safety concerns.
- Retailers: Stores that sell defective products, such as a collapsing baby crib that injures a child.
- Product designers: Designers whose unsafe product designs create an unreasonable risk of injury.
- Maintenance or installation companies: Companies whose improper installation or servicing contributes to an accident.
Determining who should be held accountable often requires a detailed investigation into every stage of the product’s journey from design and manufacturing to sale and use.
Can You Be Held Liable for Your Own Injuries?
In some situations, yes. California follows a comparative negligence system. Under this rule, an injured person may share some responsibility for an accident while still retaining the right to pursue compensation.
Situations that may contribute to comparative negligence include:
- Using a product in a way the manufacturer did not intend.
- Ignoring clearly visible safety warnings.
- Modifying the product before the injury occurred.
Even if you were partially responsible for what happened, that does not automatically prevent you from bringing a claim. Instead, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can evaluate the circumstances of the accident and determine how California’s comparative negligence rules may apply.
What Compensation Can You Recover in an Oakland Product Liability Case?
Compensation in a product liability claim is intended to help address both the financial and personal consequences of an injury.
Depending on the facts of your case, damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, assistive devices, and future treatment needs.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: Income lost while recovering, as well as reduced earning potential caused by lasting impairments.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and diminished quality of life.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: Compensation for life-changing injuries, scarring, amputations, or other permanent conditions.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of personal property damaged by the defective product.
- Punitive damages: Additional damages that may be available when a manufacturer’s conduct demonstrates extreme negligence or reckless disregard for consumer safety.
Our Case Results
Our personal injury attorneys have represented Oakland residents and families throughout Alameda County who were harmed by unsafe products, securing meaningful recoveries in cases involving product defects, equipment failures, and other dangerous consumer products.
- $2.3 million jury trial verdict: Our client suffered injuries while riding a device manufactured by the defendant. Following a three-week jury trial, the case resulted in a $2.3 million verdict.
- $400 thousand settlement: Our client suffered severe injuries when an emergency alert device failed to notify authorities after a fall.
- $250 thousand settlement: Our client sustained significant injuries when an electric wheelchair malfunctioned and became uncontrollable.
How Long Do You Have to File Your Product Liability Claim in Oakland?
California’s personal injury statute of limitations generally gives injured consumers two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.
Certain exceptions can alter the filing deadline. These may include:
- Delayed discovery: The discovery rule may apply when the injury or product defect is not immediately apparent.
- Claims involving minors: Different filing deadlines may apply when the injured person is under 18 years old.
- Government-related claims: Special notice requirements and shorter deadlines often apply when a government entity is involved.
Because filing deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances, it is important to speak with a product liability attorney as soon as possible after discovering a product-related injury.
You Can Count On the Oakland Product Liability Lawyers at Venardi Zurada
Taking on a manufacturer, distributor, or large corporation can feel overwhelming. These companies often have significant resources and legal teams dedicated to protecting their interests. You should not have to face them alone.
At Venardi Zurada, winning is personal. Our attorneys provide personalized, client-first representation and treat every client with the attention, respect, and compassion they deserve.
Clients choose our Oakland law firm because we bring decades of experience handling complex litigation and have extensive knowledge of Oakland courts, Bay Area communities, and local insurance systems. We also represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.
Whether your injuries resulted from a defective household appliance, a dangerous vehicle component, faulty medical equipment, or another unsafe product, Venardi Zurada is prepared to stand up for your rights.
Call 833-893-6763 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation today.
