{"id":789,"date":"2021-03-08T14:45:48","date_gmt":"2021-03-08T14:45:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/dothan\/?post_type=practice_areas&p=789"},"modified":"2026-10-15T14:30:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T14:30:28","slug":"product-liability","status":"publish","type":"practice_areas","link":"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/dothan\/practice-areas\/product-liability\/","title":{"rendered":"Product Liability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Alabama Product Liability Lawyers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A product should be reasonably safe when it is used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way. When a defective consumer product, ranging from vehicles, vehicle components, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, workplace tools, to household appliances, causes an injury, the consequences can extend far beyond the initial incident. Medical care, time away from work, and uncertainty about the future can place enormous pressure on an injured person and their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cochran Firm-Dothan represents people harmed by defective products. From our Dothan office, we serve clients throughout the Wiregrass, including Southeast Alabama, Southwest Georgia, and across the Florida Panhandle. Our attorneys evaluate the product, the incident circumstances, and the parties that may be responsible so clients can make informed decisions about their next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Request a confidential consultation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Product Liability Claim?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A product liability claim may arise when a product is unsafe because of the way it was designed, manufactured, marketed, labeled, or accompanied by warnings or instructions. These cases are different from ordinary personal injury claims because they can involve multiple parties in the product\u2019s path to the consumer, including a manufacturer, component maker, distributor, retailer, or other business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An injury alone does not automatically establish a claim. The product's condition, intended use, how it was used, the warnings provided, and the available evidence all matter. A careful legal review can help determine whether a dangerous defect or other negligence contributed to the harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most states have their own state laws governing product liability claims.  In Alabama, the Alabama Extended Manufacturer\u2019s Liability Doctrine (AEMLD) governs product liability and allows consumers to hold manufacturers liable for defective products that cause harm. Unlike many states, Alabama does not impose strict liability for a defective product.  Instead, the AEMLD allows a manufacturer to consider whether the injured user was contributorily negligent, assumed the risk, or misused the product. Clear understanding and applicability of the AEMLD is imperative.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Product Defects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Defective-product claims often fall into one or more of the following categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design Defects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A design defect may exist when a product\u2019s planned design makes it unsafe even when it is manufactured and used as intended. The issue may affect an entire product line rather than a single item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturing Defects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A manufacturing defect can occur when an otherwise safe design is compromised during production, assembly, or quality control. A defective batch, faulty component, or assembly error may make a particular product unsafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failure to Warn or Inadequate Instructions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some products carry risks that cannot be completely eliminated. In those circumstances, clear warnings and instructions can be important. A claim may warrant review when a product lacks adequate instructions, safety information, or warnings about reasonably foreseeable dangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Products That May Be Involved in a Claim<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dangerous products can be found in homes, workplaces, stores, and on the road. The Cochran Firm- Dothan reviews matters involving a wide range of consumer and commercial products, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n