Product liability cases arise when defective or dangerous products cause injuries to consumers during normal use. Manufacturing defects occur when specific products deviate from intended design, like contaminated medications or faulty car parts. Design defects exist when entire product lines contain inherent dangers, such as SUVs prone to rollovers or toys with choking hazards. Failure to warn cases involve inadequate instructions or missing safety warnings about known risks. Common product liability claims include defective medical devices, dangerous pharmaceuticals with undisclosed side effects, and malfunctioning automotive components. Household appliances catching fire, children’s products with toxic materials, and contaminated food products frequently generate injury claims. E-cigarettes exploding, airbags deploying improperly, and exercise equipment failing under normal use represent emerging product liability areas. These cases often become class actions when defects affect numerous consumers similarly.
Toxic exposure cases involve harmful substances causing injuries through environmental contamination or occupational exposure. Asbestos exposure leading to mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other respiratory diseases decades after contact. Chemical plant explosions or leaks affecting nearby residents with acute or chronic health problems. Water contamination from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, or municipal negligence causing community-wide injuries. Mold exposure in apartments, offices, or schools causing respiratory problems and other health issues. Pesticide exposure affecting agricultural workers, residents near farms, or consumers of contaminated products. Lead paint poisoning in older buildings particularly affecting children with developmental consequences. Workplace chemical exposure without proper protective equipment or safety protocols.
Wrongful death cases arise when negligence or intentional acts cause fatal injuries, allowing surviving family members to seek compensation. Motor vehicle accidents causing fatalities represent the most common wrongful death claims. Medical malpractice resulting in patient deaths includes surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and medication mistakes. Workplace accidents causing employee deaths may support claims beyond workers’ compensation in certain circumstances. Criminal acts like assault or homicide create civil wrongful death claims separate from criminal prosecution. Nursing home neglect leading to resident deaths from falls, malnutrition, or medication errors. Product defects causing fatal injuries such as vehicle recalls or dangerous pharmaceuticals. Premises liability deaths from building collapses, fires, or inadequate security allowing violent crimes.
Dog bite cases typically involve strict liability in many states, holding owners responsible regardless of the animal’s previous behavior. Common scenarios include attacks in public places, bites occurring on the owner’s property, and injuries to invited guests. Different rules apply when victims provoke animals or trespass on private property where dogs are confined. Certain breeds may face additional regulations or insurance exclusions affecting available compensation sources. Other animal attacks involve horses, cattle, or exotic pets requiring proof of owner negligence. Landlords may share liability for tenant’s dangerous dogs when aware of aggressive behavior. Veterinarians, groomers, and dog walkers face occupational exposure with modified liability rules. Cases involving police dogs or service animals have special legal considerations and immunity issues.
Mass tort cases involve numerous plaintiffs injured by the same product, drug, or incident requiring coordinated legal proceedings. Pharmaceutical mass torts from dangerous drugs causing widespread injuries like opioid addiction or undisclosed side effects. Medical device failures affecting thousands of patients with hip replacements, mesh implants, or pacemakers. Environmental disasters like oil spills, chemical plant explosions, or water contamination affecting entire communities. Defective consumer products sold nationwide causing similar injuries to multiple users. Food poisoning outbreaks from contaminated products distributed through major retailers or restaurants. Building material defects like toxic drywall or defective plumbing affecting numerous property owners. Data breaches causing identity theft and financial injuries to large groups of consumers.
Construction accidents encompass falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, crane accidents, and electrocutions at job sites. Trench collapses without proper shoring, falling objects striking workers below, and power tool injuries occur frequently. These cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties including general contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers. OSHA violations provide strong evidence of negligence supporting personal injury claims beyond workers’ compensation. Third-party liability exists when non-employer entities create dangerous conditions causing worker injuries. Property owners may bear responsibility for maintaining safe premises during construction projects. Equipment defects in cranes, lifts, or safety gear create product liability claims. Construction vehicle accidents, welding injuries, and exposure to hazardous materials represent additional case types.
Amusement park accidents involve mechanical failures, operator negligence, or inadequate safety measures on rides and attractions. Roller coaster injuries from sudden stops, derailments, or inadequate restraint systems failing during operation. Water slide accidents causing spinal injuries, drowning risks, or impact trauma from design defects. Mechanical ride failures on spinning attractions, drop towers, or other thrill rides. Slip and falls on wet surfaces, crowded walkways, or poorly maintained park grounds. Food poisoning from concession stands with inadequate food safety practices. Inadequate security leading to assaults or criminal activity on park property. Go-kart, bumper car, or other participatory ride accidents from equipment failure or negligent operation.
Burn injuries result from various incidents including residential fires, workplace accidents, defective products, and motor vehicle crashes. Apartment fires caused by faulty wiring, inadequate smoke detectors, or blocked exits create premises liability claims. Chemical burns from hazardous substances at work or in consumer products require different medical treatment and legal approaches. Electrical burns from exposed wiring, defective appliances, or workplace hazards often cause internal injuries beyond visible damage. Scalding injuries in restaurants, hotels, or from defective water heaters represent common premises liability cases. Explosion injuries from gas leaks, industrial accidents, or defective products cause severe burns requiring extensive treatment. Friction burns from motorcycle accidents or defective exercise equipment, and radiation burns from medical treatment errors. Car accident burns from vehicle fires or hot metal contact during crashes.