Product Defect Claims
Product Defect & Liability Attorneys in Liberty & Kansas City, Missouri
We expect the products we use every day to be safe. When manufacturers fail in the design, construction, or labeling of those products, the consequences can include severe injuries, catastrophic harm, or death.
When a defective product injures you or takes the life of someone you love, the manufacturer needs to be held accountable. At Dougherty & Holloway, our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience handling lawsuits related to defective products throughout Missouri and Kansas. We have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by products that should have been safe.
We understand the frustration and anger that comes with being injured by something you trusted. We are here to help you pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
Three Types of Product Defects
Product liability cases in Missouri generally fall into three categories:
Design Defects occur when the product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even if it is manufactured correctly. The flaw exists in every unit produced.
Manufacturing Defects occur when an error during the production process causes a specific product or batch to be dangerous, even though the design itself is sound.
Marketing Defects involve a failure to provide adequate warnings, instructions, or safety information to the consumer. This includes missing labels, insufficient warnings about known risks, or misleading instructions for use.
Dougherty & Holloway has handled cases involving all three types of defects. We bring in qualified experts to examine the product, determine the nature of the defect, and establish proof of fault.
Products Involved in Cases We Have Handled
Vehicles & Equipment
- Automobiles and tires
- Motorcycles
- Trucks and truck components
- ATVs and boats
- Bicycles
- Tractors and farm equipment
- Heavy equipment including forklifts
Industrial & Household
- Power tools including nail guns, drill presses, and power saws
- Lawn mowers
- HVAC units
- Propane tanks
- Gas-powered machines (carbon monoxide risk)
- Chemicals, household and industrial
- Rope and straps
Consumer & Medical
- Firearms including BB guns and pellet guns
- Sporting equipment
- Food products
- Medical equipment
- Pharmaceuticals
- Power lines
- Grain elevator components
This list is not exhaustive. If you have been injured by any product you believe was defective, contact us to discuss your case.
How We Handle Your Product Defect Case
Preserve the Evidence
Time is critical in product defect cases. We request access to the defective product or the accident site immediately to prevent evidence from being lost, altered, or destroyed.
Bring In Experts
We work with qualified engineers, product safety specialists, and industry experts to examine the product, identify the defect, and determine how the failure occurred.
Identify All Responsible Parties
Product liability claims may involve manufacturers, distributors, retailers, or component suppliers. We investigate every link in the supply chain to find all sources of recovery available to you.
Pursue Full Compensation
We fight for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term costs related to your injuries. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
"Ed Dougherty is an amazing attorney. He knows the law well and speaks to me in terms I can understand. He secured the maximum settlement for me in my initial case, and I was very impressed with his aggressive approach in depositions. Ed is approachable and personable. I never felt like a number to him."
Kenyon Delk
Personal Injury Client
Each client's case is unique. These testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Product Defect FAQ
If you were injured while using a product as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way, and the injury was caused by a defect in the product's design, manufacturing, or labeling, you may have a product liability claim. The best way to determine whether you have a case is to consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate the facts.
Having the product is extremely helpful as it allows experts to examine it and identify the defect. However, even if the product has been discarded or destroyed, it may still be possible to pursue a claim using other evidence such as photographs, medical records, and witness testimony. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Under Missouri law, liability may extend to any party in the chain of distribution, including the product designer, the manufacturer, a component parts supplier, the distributor, or the retailer that sold the product. Dougherty & Holloway investigates every potential source of liability to maximize your recovery.
Missouri's statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally five years from the date of injury. However, there are circumstances that can affect this deadline, including when the injury was not immediately discovered. It is important to consult with an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
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