When a product fails and causes injury, the consequences can be severe—ranging from physical pain and emotional suffering to financial hardship. Product liability law exists to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for defective products that cause harm. Victims of these incidents have the right to pursue compensation, but understanding what types of damages can be recovered is essential for building a strong case.
The Purpose of Compensation
The goal of compensation in a product liability lawsuit is to restore the injured person, as much as possible, to the condition they were in before the injury occurred. Because many product-related injuries can result in long-term medical issues or loss of income, damages are designed to cover both immediate and future impacts. Courts also use compensation to send a clear message to negligent companies that consumer safety must always come first.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are meant to reimburse tangible financial losses directly resulting from the defective product. These include:
- Medical expenses: This covers hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatment related to the injury. For example, if a defective power tool caused a hand injury requiring multiple surgeries, all related medical costs may be recoverable.
- Lost wages: If the injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for lost income and future earning potential. Expert testimony often helps calculate what your career path and earnings would have been if not for the injury.
- Property damage: When the defective product also damages personal property—for instance, a malfunctioning appliance causing a house fire—repairs or replacement costs are recoverable.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: This includes travel costs for medical appointments, assistive devices, or necessary home modifications after the injury.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses can be measured in dollars, but the law recognizes that emotional and physical suffering deserve compensation. Non-economic damages address the human side of injury:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort endured during recovery or as a result of permanent disability.
- Emotional distress: Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or trauma following serious injuries. These mental health effects can be included in the claim.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injury prevents you from participating in hobbies, sports, or activities you once enjoyed, you may receive damages for this diminished quality of life.
- Loss of consortium: Spouses or partners may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, affection, or intimacy due to the victim’s injury.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, courts award punitive damages to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct by the manufacturer. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to deter similar negligence in the future. For example, if a company knowingly sold a defective product or ignored safety warnings to save money, the court may impose substantial punitive damages. New Jersey courts, like many others, reserve such awards for cases where the defendant’s conduct showed a willful disregard for consumer safety.
How Compensation Is Determined
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the strength of the evidence, and the extent of the manufacturer’s negligence. Medical records, expert testimony, and financial documentation are crucial for proving damages. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, which is why working with an experienced product liability attorney is critical. A skilled lawyer can accurately value your claim and negotiate or litigate for the full compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Compensation in product liability cases serves both justice and prevention. It ensures that victims can rebuild their lives after suffering from unsafe products and pressures companies to prioritize safety over profit. Whether the damages involve hospital bills, emotional trauma, or lifelong disability, every element of recovery matters. By pursuing full compensation, victims not only protect their own futures but also help make the marketplace safer for everyone.