Faulty products cause thousands of injuries every year. Injured parties must seek compensation through a court of law.
There is not an unlimited amount of time to do so. A product liability statute of limitations lays out the window in which you can file a claim after an injury has occurred. These can vary by location and differ based on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The good news is that once you understand the product liability laws for your location, you can make a better determination about your case. This article explains the statute of limitation for product liability claims in Kissimmee, FL. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Product Liability?
Manufacturers have an obligation to consumers to put out products that are safe to use. When they fail to do so and injury results, a product liability suit can be filed against them.
Product liability involves detective products that result from either inadequate manufacturing processes or faulty design. They also can result from the failure of a company to issue adequate instructions for the proper use of the product.
The concept behind product liability is that the injured party should be compensated for the harm that was caused to them. Damages are sought through a lawsuit against the company or companies that designed or manufactured the product.
You can seek damages for medical and rehabilitation bills, as well as loss of income or earning potential. You can also ask for non-economic damages for pain and suffering, including permanent disability or a decrease in quality of life.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that prohibits bringing claims after a certain period following an incident. They exist for both civil and criminal cases. The duration of a statute of limitations in civil cases varies based on the type of injury and the circumstances surrounding it.
Product Liability Statute of Limitations in Florida
In general, the Florida statute of limitations for product liability statute of limitations in Florida is four years. This means you must file a claim within four years of when the incident that caused harm happened.
Some exceptions can shorten this duration. One of the main ones is a wrongful death claim. This involves a situation where someone died as a result of a faulty product. The statute of limitations for such suits is only two years.
Other exceptions can lengthen the statute of limitations. One example is circumstances where the harmed party did not recognize the harm. In these cases, the clock does not start until the time when the injured party became aware of the damage (rather than when it occurred).
This is common in cases where the claimant has mental incapacity or the defendant conceals the damage. If you think some of these situations might apply to your case, a qualified product liability attorney can help you further.
Find a Qualified Kissimmee Product Liability Attorney
Now that you understand how the Florida product liability statute of limitations works, you can have a better sense of how it might affect your case. If you still have questions, a reputable product liability attorney will be able to answer them for you.
Most law firms are built around volume casting a wide net and hoping that most cases settle out of court. Newsome Melton is different: we work to get the best possible outcome for each case, even if that entails long, drawn-out courtroom battles. Reach out to us today to discuss your product liability case.