When you buy a product, whether it’s a household appliance, a medical device, or a vehicle, you expect it to be safe to use. Unfortunately, defective products injure thousands of Americans each year. In Georgia, injured consumers have the right to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable when their products cause harm.
For Athens residents, product liability cases can involve anything from unsafe children’s toys to malfunctioning power tools used in construction. Understanding how Georgia law handles defective product claims is critical for protecting your rights. At Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, we represent clients in Athens who have been harmed by unsafe products, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
What Is Products Liability in Georgia?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of companies that make, sell, or distribute consumer goods when those products cause harm. In Georgia, these cases fall under strict liability law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11). This means you do not have to prove the manufacturer was negligent—only that the product was defective and caused your injury.
Types of Defective Product Claims
- Design Defects – Flaws in the product’s design make it inherently unsafe, even if manufactured correctly.
- Manufacturing Defects – Errors in the production process result in a product that is unsafe compared to its intended design.
- Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects) – Inadequate instructions or missing warnings about potential risks can make a product dangerous.
Common Defective Product Cases in Athens
Athens residents may encounter defective products in a variety of settings.
Automobile Defects
Defective vehicles or auto parts are a major source of injury claims. Examples include faulty brakes, defective airbags, or tire blowouts. With Athens’ busy roadways like Atlanta Highway and Lexington Road, auto defects can lead to devastating accidents.
Household Products
From space heaters to faulty electrical appliances, defective household goods can cause burns, shocks, and fires.
Children’s Products
Unsafe toys, cribs, or car seats can injure children. These cases are particularly serious, as parents place trust in products designed for safety.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
Defective drugs and implants can cause severe health complications. Patients in Athens hospitals and clinics may suffer when unsafe medical products reach the market.
Workplace Tools and Equipment
Construction and industrial workers in Athens rely on power tools, ladders, and heavy equipment. When these tools malfunction, the results can be catastrophic.
Georgia Products Liability Law: Key Points
Georgia law has several features that make product liability cases unique.
Strict Liability Standard
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11, manufacturers are strictly liable if a product is defective and causes injury. Plaintiffs don’t need to prove negligence—only that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control.
Statute of Limitations
Most product liability claims in Georgia must be filed within two years of the injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
Statute of Repose
Georgia also enforces a 10-year statute of repose (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11(c)). Claims cannot be filed more than 10 years after the product was first sold, regardless of when the injury occurred.
Comparative Negligence
If the consumer misused the product or ignored clear safety instructions, Georgia’s comparative negligence rule may reduce or eliminate compensation.
Compensation Available in Defective Product Cases
Victims of defective products in Athens may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, long-term treatment)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage caused by defective products (such as fires or car accidents)
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
In cases of reckless or intentional misconduct by a manufacturer, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Steps to Take After a Defective Product Injury in Athens
If you or a loved one is injured by a defective product, the actions you take immediately afterward can impact your claim.
Seek medical attention to document and treat injuries.
Preserve the product in its current condition. Do not repair, discard, or alter it.
Save receipts, packaging, and manuals to prove ownership and usage.
Document the incident with photos and written notes.
Collect witness information if others saw the product fail.
Contact an Athens products liability attorney before speaking with the manufacturer or insurer.
Challenges in Products Liability Cases
While strict liability makes it easier to hold manufacturers accountable, these cases can be highly complex.
- Expert Testimony: Engineers, medical professionals, and safety specialists may be needed to prove defects.
- Corporate Defense Teams: Manufacturers often have powerful legal teams to fight claims.
- Proof of Causation: You must demonstrate that the defect directly caused your injury, which can be difficult if multiple factors were involved.
This is why having an experienced Athens lawyer is critical to building a strong case.
Athens-Specific Considerations
Athens has a unique mix of urban and university life, meaning defective products can impact different groups of people in different ways:
- Students may be harmed by unsafe dorm appliances or electronics.
- Families may face risks from defective children’s products.
- Workers in construction or industrial settings may rely on tools that fail.
- Drivers may suffer serious injuries due to defective auto parts.
Local representation is valuable because Athens attorneys are familiar with Clarke County courts, juries, and regional safety issues.
Why Work With a Local Athens Products Liability Attorney
A local attorney offers specific advantages in product liability cases:
- Familiarity with Georgia’s strict liability laws and time limits.
- Experience handling complex cases involving expert testimony.
- Understanding of Athens’ community, courts, and common accident scenarios.
- Personalized support for families dealing with overwhelming medical bills and corporate pushback.
At Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, we fight for Athens residents harmed by defective products, ensuring their voices are heard against powerful corporations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Products Liability in Athens
Do I have to prove negligence in a Georgia product liability case?
No. Georgia law allows strict liability claims, meaning you only need to prove the product was defective and caused your injury.
What if I didn’t buy the product myself?
You may still have a claim if you were injured while using the product, even if you were not the purchaser.
Can I sue both the manufacturer and the store that sold the product?
Yes. In Georgia, both manufacturers and sellers in the chain of distribution may be held liable.
What if the product was recalled?
A recall may strengthen your case, but it is not required. Even unrecalled products can be defective and dangerous.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally, you have two years from the injury and no more than 10 years from the product’s first sale.
Defective products can cause life-changing injuries, but Georgia law provides strong protections for consumers. Whether you were hurt by a faulty medical device, a dangerous toy, or a defective vehicle, you have the right to seek compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a defective product in Athens, Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers can help. We have the knowledge and resources to take on manufacturers and insurers, ensuring you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.