Introduction
Every day, consumers trust that the products they buy—whether a car part, medical device, or household appliance—are safe to use. Unfortunately, when companies cut corners in design, manufacturing, or testing, those same products can cause devastating injuries or even death.
At Terrell Hogan Law, our defective product lawyers in Florida have represented countless individuals and families harmed by unsafe and poorly designed products. Understanding when manufacturers can be held liable under Florida law empowers consumers to protect their rights and hold negligent companies accountable.
What Makes a Product “Defective”?
Under Florida’s product liability law, a product is considered defective if it poses an unreasonable danger when used as intended—or in a way that the manufacturer should have reasonably anticipated.
There are three primary types of product defects:
- Design Defects – The product’s very design is unsafe.
Example: A car’s gas tank is placed too close to the rear bumper, making it likely to ignite during a collision. - Manufacturing Defects – Something goes wrong during production, creating dangerous flaws.
Example: A batch of pacemakers built with faulty wiring or a contaminated pharmaceutical product. - Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects) – The manufacturer fails to provide adequate instructions or safety warnings.
Example: A medication that fails to warn users about known drug interactions or side effects.
In each of these cases, the manufacturer—and sometimes the distributor or retailer—can be held legally responsible for injuries or damages caused.
Common Examples of Defective Products
Defective product cases span multiple industries. Common examples include:
- Auto Parts: Faulty airbags, tire blowouts, defective brakes, or seatbelt malfunctions
- Pharmaceuticals: Drugs that cause severe or unexpected side effects
- Medical Devices: Faulty implants, surgical mesh, or pacemakers that fail prematurely
- Household Appliances: Fires from overheating or wiring defects
- Children’s Products: Unsafe toys or car seats that lead to injuries
At Terrell Hogan Law, our consumer safety attorneys collaborate with engineers, medical experts, and product specialists to identify flaws, test theories, and build compelling cases for victims across Florida.
Recalls and Consumer Alerts: What They Mean for You
When a product is found to be unsafe, it may be recalled by the manufacturer or a federal agency such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
👉 Learn more about current recalls at the CPSC’s Official Recall Database.
A recall may involve:
- Repairs or replacements at no cost
- Refunds for unsafe items
- Instructions to stop using a product immediately
However, a recall does not automatically shield the manufacturer from liability. If a defective product causes harm before or even after a recall, victims may still pursue a product recall lawsuit for compensation.
If you suspect a defective product caused your injury, do not return or discard it—it’s critical evidence in your claim.
How to Prove a Defective Product Claim
- To succeed in a product liability claim, your attorney must establish:
- The product was defective and unreasonably dangerous.
- The defect directly caused your injury while the product was being used as intended.
- The product had not been substantially altered after leaving the manufacturer’s control.
Our attorneys often use expert testimony, product testing, and internal corporate documents to show where safety measures failed—and how the company could have prevented harm.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured by a Defective Product
If you suspect a product caused your injury:
- Preserve the product—do not repair, return, or discard it.
- Seek medical treatment immediately and document your injuries.
- Save all receipts, packaging, and user manuals.
- Report the product to the manufacturer or a safety agency.
Contact a product liability attorney in Florida before speaking to insurance or company representatives.
These steps can make or break your case—especially in proving manufacturer negligence.
How Terrell Hogan Law Helps
For nearly 50 years, Terrell Hogan Law has fought for Floridians injured by defective products—from dangerous auto parts and medical devices to unsafe pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.
Our Product Liability Team combines local experience with a national network of technical experts to take on even the largest manufacturers. We meticulously investigate:
- Design and testing records
- Internal safety reports
- Recall and compliance documentation
Clients who work with us can expect:
- Personalized attention and open communication
- Thorough investigation of their product liability claims
- Aggressive advocacy to secure full and fair compensation
To see examples of our results, visit our Case Results page.
Conclusion
Defective products can turn everyday items into serious hazards—but Florida law protects consumers from corporate negligence. When companies fail to ensure product safety, Terrell Hogan Law stands ready to fight for accountability and justice.
If you’ve been injured by a dangerous or recalled product, don’t wait to act. Our experienced defective product lawyers in Florida can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
📞 Contact Us Today to schedule your free consultation.
