Gibbons Law Firm: Avoiding Product Liability in Your New Business

As new businesses get up and running, there will be many different aspects of your business that has parts of your focus. If you manufacture or supply products or components of products to the public, you do have a responsibility to ensure the safety and duty of care to those who will be using them. Because product liability refers to “defective” products, generally, it’s important to make sure that you are guarding your business against these challenges ahead of time. Here are a few ways your new business can avoid a product liability lawsuit. We’ll also talk about how your Lake of the Ozarks lawyer can help you on the front end before you find yourself swimming amongst millions of dollars worth of damages or injury costs.

Start With Product Testing

Product testing is going to be your first wall of defense to help you be alert to possible defects in the manufacture or design of a product. If you do not perform the necessary product testing, it can result in a manufacturer’s negligence, or a failure to recall faulty or dangerous products. You will also want to always be able to prove that you have taken reasonable steps to avoid product defects, as well as implemented a safe production process.

Always Attach a Warning Label

It is your job as a company to provide the appropriate and effective warnings on a product label. This is necessary to allow the sale of otherwise dangerous good. Make sure that the warning is clear about potential dangers to avoid the major pitfall of a claim. Important disclosures on packaging will help protect you.

Review Suppliers

If you are a retailer, distributor, or business that will repair or make changes to a product, you really should put in place specific measures to review manufacturers’ procedures and processes. You want to be extremely comfortable with a supplier’s products or components. It also can’t be recommended enough that legal contracts are put in place to confirm that suppliers hold ultimate financial responsibility for all defects that are in place before your supply of the product.

Look Into Liability Insurance

This is not a mandatory step, however, any company that manufactures or distributes a product should be covered. This type of insurance covers the compensation that will be provided to the individual who is injured after a faulty product or design. It also helps to cover any legal fees that are incurred as well.

Don’t Be Afraid, Be Prepared

If you are starting a new business, it’s always a great idea to put together your business information and sit down with a knowledgable legal advocate at the Lake of the Ozarks. We can help you analyze the details of your company and take proper action now to protect the business that you will be pouring so many hours into. If you do find yourself amid a personal injury case at the Lake of the Ozarks, especially due to product liability, I would be honored to help you navigate the case. Visit my website to learn more about my law practice at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as give us a call at the number below for a FREE consultation.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.