Product liability is a legal concept that holds manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, retailers, and other sellers responsible for any damages caused by defective products they produce or sell to consumers. In Connecticut, this law is a combination of common law and statutory law.
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Who Can Sue in a Product Liability Case?
Anyone who has been injured by a defective product can sue the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the product. Most lawsuits are brought by the consumer or someone who suffers damages due to the product’s use. However, anyone who has suffered harm due to a product can file a lawsuit.
Types of Damages in Product Liability Cases
There are several different types of damages that can be recovered in a product liability case in Connecticut. These include:
Compensatory Damages: Compensatory damages are meant to compensate the victim for the actual damages suffered as a result of the defective product. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, as well as other damages.
Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are sometimes awarded in product liability cases to punish the defendant for especially egregious or reckless conduct.
Economic Damages: Economic damages are awarded in product liability cases to compensate the victim for financial losses that are foreseeable as a result of the defect, such as lost wages or the loss of use of the product.
Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages are awarded in product liability cases to compensate the victim for damages that cannot be quantified in financial terms, such as pain, suffering, and psychological trauma.
Time Limits For Filing A Product Liability Lawsuit In Connecticut
In Connecticut, the time limit for filing a product liability lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury. If the injury was not discovered at the time it occurred, the time limit begins when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence.
Theories of Liability in Product Liability Cases
There are several different theories of liability that can be used in product liability cases. These include:
Negligence: Negligence occurs when the manufacturer or seller fails to take reasonable care in the design, manufacturing, or sale of the product, causing harm to the consumer.
Breach of Warranty: Breach of warranty occurs when the product fails to perform as promised or does not meet the stated expectations of the consumer.
Strict Liability: Strict liability holds the manufacturer or seller liable for any damages caused by the defect, regardless of whether they were negligent or not.
Conclusion
If you have been injured by a defective product in Connecticut, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. The types of damages you can recover include compensatory, punitive, economic, and non-economic damages. There are also different time limits and theories of liability that can be used in product liability cases. An experienced attorney can help you determine the best course of action and maximize your recovery.