Defective Products and Negligent Manufacturers

The American Association for Justice has published a report called "They Knew and Failed," which tells the stories of corporations which knew that their consumer products were defective and even deadly in some cases but continued to sell them to the unsuspecting public. One case in the report reveals that the manufacturer of Guidant Heart defibrillators learned about a potentially fatal flaw in the design of the product three years before issuing a warning to the medical profession. The flaw was an electrical glitch which could cause the device to short circuit. Defibrillators are supposed to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm in cases where an irregular heartbeat occurs. They are often used for patients who have a genetic heart disease.

Not only did the manufacturer wait three years to let anyone know about the design flaw, they failed to recommend to doctors and patients that the devices should be replaced. The company changed the design of their product but continued to sell the potentially defective devices they had remaining in their inventory. This amounted to 37,000 devices sold to patients who might experience the short circuit failure. As a result, at least one consumer died when his defective defibrillator malfunctioned. He was a 21 year-old Minnesota man with genetic heart problems who suffered cardiac arrest after the defibrillator implanted in his chest failed while he was out biking.

Defective Product and Personal Injury Firm in Hartford, Connecticut

The above is a case of product liability where a manufacturer failed in his duty to protect consumers. In this dramatic case, the patient involved depended on the product for his very life. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Many consumer products turn out to be dangerous or defective with the potential to cause harm to those who use it as directed. Such products can range from medical devices such as the above defibrillator to pharmaceutical drugs, auto parts, construction equipment, household goods, electronics, appliances, and more.

Those harmed by defective products may have a difficult time obtaining the legal compensation to which they are entitled without the help of an experienced attorney. Manufacturers may try to shift liability away from themselves through various ploys and actions. To build a strong case on your behalf, the personal injury firm of David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC provides proven legal representation. The firm is based in Hartford and has been representing clients since 1978. It is available to take your calls 24/7 and makes home and hospital visits for those who need them due to their injuries. If you have been injured through the use of a defective consumer product, in any type of traffic accident, construction accident, or dog attack, or through medical malpractice or nursing home abuse, contact the firm for a free case analysis. You will not be assessed any legal fees until your case is successfully resolved.