When a product you trusted to help you suddenly injures you because of a defect, you probably don’t know what went wrong or what you can do next. Personal injury claims involving defective products can be exceptionally frustrating because no clear answers or solutions are in sight. You may not even know what rights you have.
The only thing that is clear is all the medical bills, missed work, financial strain, and pain that make daily life a struggle. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our Jackson, MS product liability lawyers see this happen to hardworking Mississippi families far too often.
You do have rights, and you should not have to bear the cost of someone else’s carelessness. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we put the power of the civil justice system to work for you. We level the playing field against product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to secure the full and fair compensation you need to move forward.
Why Do Jackson Families Trust Richard Schwartz & Associates With Product Liability Cases?
Defective product cases are tough. They pit consumers against large corporations with teams of defense lawyers and vast resources. If you have been harmed by a defective product, our team of trusted product liability attorneys in Jackson with the experience and dedication to level the playing field and protect your rights. We back every client with:
More Than 44 Years Serving Mississippi
We have been representing injured Mississippians for more than four decades. Our Jackson headquarters serves the entire metro area, from Fondren and Belhaven to Ridgeland and Brandon. We know this community because we are part of it.
Over $1 Billion Recovered for Injured Clients
Results matter when your family’s financial future is at stake. Our firm has recovered over $1 billion for clients across Mississippi. That track record reflects our commitment to fighting for every dollar our clients need.
No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front and owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk in calling us.
Trial-Ready Representation
Insurance companies and manufacturers know which firms are willing to go to trial. Our attorneys prepare every case as though it will go before a jury at the Hinds County Courthouse. That preparation often leads to stronger settlement offers.
If a defective product changed your life, reach out to a product liability lawyer in Jackson, MS, who has the resources and record to take on the companies responsible.
What Makes a Product Defective Under Mississippi Law?
The Mississippi Product Liability Act (MPLA) spells out the legal standards for defective product claims. A product is considered defective when it is unreasonably dangerous due to one of three types of flaws.
Design Defects
A design defect means the product was dangerous from the start. The flaw is in the blueprint itself, not in how it was assembled. Every unit built from that design carries the same risk. A space heater that tips over and ignites nearby objects is one example.
Manufacturing Defects
A manufacturing defect happens during production. The design may be fine, but something went wrong on the assembly line. Maybe a batch of brakes left the factory with a faulty seal, or a toy was produced with lead-based paint not called for in the specs.
Failure to Warn
A company can also be liable if it fails to include proper warnings or instructions. If a medication has a serious side effect and the label does not disclose it, the manufacturer may be responsible for any injuries that result.
Our Jackson product liability attorneys will investigate which type of defect caused your injury and hold the right parties accountable.
What Types of Dangerous Products Lead to Injury Claims?
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 15 million people were treated in emergency rooms for consumer product injuries in one recent year. Many of those injuries came from everyday items people assumed were harmless.
These defective products come in all shapes and sizes. Our firm handles a wide range of defective product cases in Jackson and across Mississippi. Some of the most common product liability claims include:
- Motor vehicles and auto parts, including faulty airbags, brakes, and tires
- Medical devices such as hip implants, hernia mesh, and pacemakers
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications with undisclosed side effects
- Defective children’s toys, baby products, and baby furniture
- Household appliances and power tools
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices
- Building materials and pesticides
- Defective sports and recreational equipment
- Food products contaminated or mislabeled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls for dozens of dangerous products every year, but it can’t keep up with every product made in the U.S. or imported from other countries. If a product injured you or a loved one, a Jackson, MS, product liability lawyer with Richard Schwatz & Associates can determine whether a known defect played a role and who can be held liable.
Who Can Be Sued in a Jackson, MS Product Liability Case?
One of the strengths of the MPLA is that responsibility does not rest solely on any one company. Under MS Code § 11-1-63, you may have a claim against anyone in the chain of distribution who played a role in creating or selling the defective product.
That can include the product’s designer, manufacturer, parts supplier, distributor, or retailer. Your attorney will trace the product’s path from creation to your hands and identify every party that shares fault.
Corporations often try to shift blame to one another. A strong legal team holds each responsible party accountable so nothing falls through the cracks.
How to Win a Product Liability Lawsuit?
Winning a product liability case in Mississippi comes down to strong evidence and experienced legal strategy. Your attorney will prove that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control and that the defect directly caused your injuries.
That means gathering physical evidence from the product itself, reviewing internal company documents, consulting with industry and medical professionals, and building a timeline of what happened. Discovery during a lawsuit can uncover records showing the company already knew about the defect.
Mississippi also follows a pure comparative fault rule (MS Code § 11-7-15). That means even if the court finds you partly responsible for your injuries, you can still recover compensation. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault, but not eliminated completely.
A skilled product liability lawyer in Jackson will work to minimize any fault the defense tries to assign to you and protect the full value of your claim.
What Should You Do After a Defective Product Injures You?
If you have already received medical attention or are undergoing treatment, you are on the right track. Beyond medical care, there are steps that can protect your legal claim.
- Hire a product liability lawyer right away. This is the most important step. The manufacturer already has a legal team working to limit its liability. Your attorney will protect your rights from day one, handle communication with insurers, and start building your case while the evidence is still fresh.
- Keep every medical appointment and follow your treatment plan. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies an opening to argue your injuries are not as serious as you say. Consistent care creates a clear medical record that supports your claim.
- Save the product and all packaging. The defective product is the single most important piece of evidence in your case. Keep the item, the box, the receipt, and any instructions or manuals. Do not repair it or throw it away.
- Document your daily experiences. Write in a journal or record short videos about your pain levels, limitations, and how the injury affects your daily life. These personal records help your attorney show the real impact of your injuries when calculating damages.
- Avoid giving statements to the manufacturer’s insurance company. Adjusters may contact you quickly. Their goal is to settle for as little as possible. Let your lawyer handle all communication.
A Jackson product liability attorney at Richard Schwartz & Associates can take on the heavy lifting so you can focus on recovery.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Product Liability in Mississippi?
Under Mississippi’s general statute of limitations (MS Code § 15-1-49), you have three years from the date of your injury to file a product liability lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, no matter how strong it is.
In some situations, you may not connect your injury to a defective product right away. Mississippi’s discovery rule can extend that deadline to three years from the date you discovered the connection between your injury and the product.
Regardless of the timeline, your attorney can protect your case by filing on time and preserving critical evidence. Contact a product liability lawyer in Jackson, MS, as soon as you suspect a product caused your injury.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Product Liability Lawsuit?
Every case is different. Straightforward claims with clear evidence and well-documented injuries may settle in a matter of months. Complex cases that involve multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries can take longer.
What matters most is the outcome, not the speed. Rushing a settlement often means accepting less than you need to cover your future expenses. Your attorney will push for a fair resolution while preparing your case for trial if the other side refuses a reasonable offer.
Richard Schwartz & Associates has the staff and resources to see your case through, whether that means negotiating at a conference table or presenting evidence to a jury at the Hinds County Circuit Court.
What’s the Biggest Mistake People Often Make When Dealing With an Insurance Claim?
Talking to the insurance company without a lawyer. This one mistake costs injury victims thousands of dollars in lost compensation every year.
Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that weaken your case. A recorded statement, a casual comment about feeling “okay,” or agreeing to a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries can all be used against you.
Your product liability attorney acts as a shield between you and the insurance company. That protection gives you space to heal while your legal team fights for the compensation you actually need.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Jackson Product Liability Claim?
If a defective product injured you, Mississippi law allows you to pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses: medical bills, future medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages address the personal toll: pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
In cases involving extreme corporate misconduct, your attorney may also pursue punitive damages under MS Code § 11-1-65. These damages punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior.
A Jackson product liability lawyer will calculate the full scope of your losses and fight to recover every dollar your case supports.
Common Questions About Product Liability Claims in Jackson, MS
Can I file a product liability claim if I was not the person who bought the product?
Yes. Mississippi product liability law protects anyone harmed by a defective product, not just the buyer. If you received the product as a gift, borrowed it, or were simply a bystander injured by it, you may still have a valid claim.
What if the product has been recalled but I was already injured?
A recall does not prevent you from filing a claim. In fact, a recall can strengthen your case because it shows the manufacturer acknowledged the danger. Your attorney can use the recall notice and related CPSC reports as supporting evidence.
Do I need to return the defective product to the manufacturer?
No. Do not send the product back. The defective item is critical evidence. Keep it in its current condition along with any packaging, receipts, and manuals. Your attorney will arrange for a proper inspection.
Can I still file a claim if I modified the product before my injury?
It depends on the modification. If the defect existed before you made changes, you may still have a case. Your attorney can argue that the original defect was the primary cause of your injuries.
What if the company that made the product is based outside of Mississippi?
You can still file your claim in Mississippi. Product liability lawsuits are commonly filed where the injury occurred, regardless of where the manufacturer is headquartered. Your Jackson product liability lawyer will handle the jurisdictional details.
One Call, That’s All. Free Consultations For Mississippians Injured by Defective Products
You have the right to fight back when a defective product injures you. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our Jackson product liability lawyers are ready to stand with you, investigate what happened, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us online or call today. One Call, That’s All.