Were you injured by a defective product in Phoenix, Arizona? Call AJ Law, PLC for a free consultation at (602) 671-2363. Our award-winning Phoenix product liability lawyers can help you file a claim for compensation based on your lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our top-rated personal injury law firm in Phoenix brings 20 years of experience to the table and has recovered over $50 million for our clients since our founding.
We’ll treat you like family if you hire us and ensure your case receives all of the resources it needs to succeed in full.
Get in touch today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Why Hire AJ Law, PLC for My Product Liability Claim in Phoenix, Arizona?
Product liability cases almost always require filing a lawsuit against a powerful corporation, making it important to hire an experienced lawyer who can help you level the playing field. AJ Law, PLC is a trusted name when it comes to Arizona personal injury law and will stop at nothing to help you do just that.
Here are a few reasons why clients in Phoenix, AZ, trust our attorneys with their cases:
- Our case results include recoveries in the seven-figure range
- We have decades of experience helping injured victims in Arizona
- We will handle every aspect of the legal process so that you can focus on your medical recovery
- We are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary
- We’ve received accolades from the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and other leading legal professional organizations
Contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys today for more information and to ask any questions you may have. We’re ready to get to work on your case as soon as you are.
What Is Product Liability Law in Arizona?
Product liability is the area of law that holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when a product they put on the market causes harm to a consumer. Arizona’s product liability laws are codified under ARS Sections 12-681 through 12-689 and are based on the Uniform Product Liability Act.
Arizona allows product liability claims to be brought under three legal theories:
- Strict liability: This is the most common basis for product liability claims in Arizona. Under strict liability, you do not have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent in any way. You only need to show that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control and that the defect caused your injuries.
- Negligence: A negligence claim requires you to show that the manufacturer failed to use reasonable care in creating and selling the product. This could mean anything from cutting corners during production to ignoring known safety risks.
- Breach of warranty: If a product came with an express or implied promise that it would perform a certain way and it failed to do so, you may have a claim for breach of warranty.
Many product liability lawsuits include claims under more than one of these theories at the same time, which can strengthen your overall position.
What Are the Three Types of Product Defects?
Product defects generally fall into one of three categories. The type of defect involved in your case will shape how your attorney approaches the claim and what kind of evidence is needed to prove it.
The categories are:
- Design defects: Design defects exist before the product is ever manufactured. The problem is baked into the product’s blueprint, meaning every unit that comes off the line carries the same flaw.
- Manufacturing defects: Manufacturing defects happen during the production process. Unlike a design defect, the intended design of the product is safe.
- Marketing defects/failure to warn: Marketing defects involve failures in how the product was advertised. If a product carries hidden dangers that consumers would not reasonably expect, the manufacturer has a duty to provide adequate warnings.
A failure in any one or more of these areas could entitle you to substantial compensation. Contact our personal injury lawyers to learn more about what you should do next to file a claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Phoenix Product Liability Case?
One of the things that sets product liability apart from other personal injury claims is that multiple parties can share responsibility for a defective product. Arizona law allows you to bring claims against anyone in the chain of distribution who played a role in getting the product to you.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The company that designed the product
- The manufacturer that produced it
- Component part suppliers whose parts contributed to the defect
- Distributors and wholesalers that moved the product through the supply chain
- The retailer that sold the product to you
You do not need to figure out on your own which of these parties is responsible; we’ll conduct an in-depth investigation on your behalf.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover in a Product Liability Case?
If you can prove that a defective product caused your injuries, Arizona law allows you to pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages address the personal impact the injury has had on your life, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
In cases where the manufacturer’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be on the table. These are designed to punish the defendant rather than compensate you as the victim.
What if I Am Being Blamed for My Product Liability Injuries?
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence law under ARS Section 12-2505. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your injuries. Your award will simply be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if a jury determines that your total damages are worth $200,000 but finds that you were 25% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $150,000. Our lawyers can help you respond to allegations of shared fault appropriately so that you can maintain the full value of your claim.
How Much Is My Phoenix Product Liability Case Worth?
Since each product liability case is different, there is no way to assign a dollar figure without first reviewing the specific facts and circumstances of the case at hand. That said, there are several factors that will play a role in determining what your claim may be worth in a general sense.
Relevant factors include:
- How severe your injuries are and whether they are expected to be permanent
- The total cost of your financial losses, including those that are forward-looking
- The level of pain and disruption the injury has caused in your daily life
- How compelling the available evidence is linking the defect to your injuries
- Whether more than one party in the chain of distribution shares liability
Product liability cases often carry higher values than standard personal injury claims because of the number of defendants that may be involved and the resources those defendants have available.
How Long Do I Have To File a Product Liability Lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona sets two important deadlines for product liability claims that you need to be aware of:
- Statute of limitations: You have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit under ARS Section 12-542. If you miss this window, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case.
- Statute of repose: Per ARS Section 12-551, you cannot file a product liability claim if the cause of action accrues more than 12 years after the product was first sold for use or consumption. This applies to strict liability claims but not those based on negligence and breach of warranty.
Getting a product liability attorney in Phoenix involved early is the best way to make sure you determine which deadlines apply to your specific situation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Product Liability Lawyer in Phoenix?
AJ Law, PLC, handles product liability cases on a contingency fee basis. You won’t have to pay us anything up front, and you will not owe any attorney’s fees whatsoever unless we recover compensation for you when your case concludes.
We will walk you through our fee structure during your initial consultation as well, so that everything is clear before your case gets started. The key thing to keep in mind, though, is that we only get paid for our work if we successfully handle your claim.
Contact Our Phoenix Product Liability Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you were harmed by a defective product in Phoenix, AZ, AJ Law, PLC is here to help you make the most of your opportunity to file a claim and take legal action. Contact our Phoenix product liability attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. We’ve won over $50 million for our clients and will work just as hard for you on your case.
