A product liability case involves complex technical issues that will require testimony from qualified professionals and solid evidence. Filing a product liability claim in Columbia takes careful planning and really clear guidance. WPF Law helps you gather the right evidence, present your claim effectively, and stand strong against well-funded defendants.
Contact our dedicated product liability attorneys today for help with your claim.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Seek medical care immediately after an injury from a defective product. Accurate medical records show the extent of your injuries and connect them to the product.
Be clear with your healthcare provider about what happened, the product involved, and how you were using it. Follow all treatment instructions, attend appointments, and complete therapies. Gaps in care can weaken your claim.
Preserve the Product and All Evidence
Keep the defective product intact. Do not repair, discard, or continue using it. Physical evidence is essential for determining what went wrong. Preserve all packaging, manuals, and receipts, as they show warnings and production details. Photograph the product, your injuries, and the scene from multiple angles. Gather contact information from anyone who witnessed the incident. Taking these steps immediately preserves evidence and strengthens your case.
Document Your Damages
Keep detailed records of all injury-related expenses, including medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and lost wages. Also track mileage and any additional costs connected to your recovery.
Maintain a journal describing your pain, daily limitations, and how the injury affects your life. Avoid posting on social media about your injury or activities, as anything shared online may be used against you.
Consult an Experienced Product Liability Attorney
Contact a WPF lawyer in Columbia before speaking with insurance companies or manufacturers. Most initial consultations are free, and early guidance could help you avoid missteps.
Do not delay. State law generally allows three years from the date of injury to file a product liability claim. Prompt action preserves evidence, witnesses, and key details.
Investigation and Expert Consultation
Our attorney examines every detail, including the product, the manufacturer, and similar incidents such as recalls and safety complaints. We work with specialists, including engineers, medical professionals, and accident reconstructionists, to evaluate defects and connect them to your injuries.
We also identify all potentially responsible parties, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and component makers, to pursue full compensation even if one party lacks sufficient coverage.
Demand and Negotiation
Before filing a lawsuit, we send a demand letter to the defendants. It outlines the defect, describes your injuries, and requests fair compensation, providing an opportunity to resolve the matter before litigation costs increase.
Many cases resolve at this stage, as manufacturers often prefer to avoid public trials. Insurance companies may offer low settlements, but we respond with detailed demands supported by evidence and expert opinions.
Filing the Lawsuit
If negotiations do not succeed, we file a lawsuit in the appropriate South Carolina court. The complaint identifies the defendants, states the legal basis for the claim, and specifies the damages sought.
Settlement discussions continue throughout the case, and many matters are resolved after discovery clarifies each side’s position. We prepare for trial while pursuing fair compensation.
Trial or Settlement
If the case does not settle, it proceeds to trial, where a jury hears the evidence and determines liability and damages. Trials can be lengthy and costly, but they are sometimes necessary to pursue a just outcome.
We prepare thoroughly, presenting expert testimony in clear terms and explaining how the injury has affected your life so jurors can understand and relate. Many cases still settle before or during trial, often prompted by the possibility of a jury verdict.
Call Today for Help Filing a Product Liability Claim in Columbia
Contact an attorney about filing a product liability claim in Columbia before important deadlines pass and evidence is lost. WPF Law could guide you through every step, review your case carefully, and help show how the injury happened. We focus on getting the full compensation you need to move forward, supporting you with clear guidance and practical help along the way.
Contact us today.