Houston Defective Product Injury Attorneys
We hold negligent manufacturers accountable to injured victims
Defective product injuries can occur when a product is designed, manufactured, or marketed in a way that causes harm to the consumer and results in personal injury. And it happens much more often than many people may realize.
Millions of defective product injuries are reported in the U.S. every year. This includes injuries related to all types of products, such as toys, household appliances, power tools, and motor vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, you may have legal options for seeking compensation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or other parties responsible for the defect. At the Ferrell Law Group, our skilled Houston defective product injury attorneys can help you navigate the legal system and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Defective products alleged to cause injury and/or illness
Medical, industrial, and household devices that failed to perform as advertised or did not properly warn of risks of use are considered defective products. Here are some of the defective product cases that we handle:
3M Military Ear Plugs. Are you an active or former U.S. service member suffering from hearing loss? From 2003 to 2015, 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ earplugs were issued to U.S. service members, including those who served overseas. The earplugs were designed to be used for two purposes – to block out all outside noises or to be flipped over to allow for hearing while protecting eardrums from gunfire and explosions. However, an alleged design defect of the earplug may have put thousands of U.S. soldiers at risk for permanent hearing loss. The 3M Company paid $9.1 million to settle allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by failing to disclose the design defect when they sold these earplugs to the military. If you were in the U.S. military from 2003-2015, used dual-ended ear plugs, and have been diagnosed with hearing loss, call the Ferrell Law Group today for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.
Car/truck defects. Some motor vehicle accidents are caused by a design defect or mechanical problem. In other cases, the crash itself may have been caused by operator error, but the injuries may have been more severe due to lack of crashworthiness. Crashworthiness refers to the ability of a structure to protect occupants in the event of a crash, including the vehicle itself as well various safety systems such as seatbelts and airbags. We investigate crashworthiness for several different types of vehicles and vehicle components, including:
- Passenger vehicles
- Heavy trucks
- Buses
- Airplanes
- Helicopters
- Occupant safety restraints
- Airbags
- Child safety seats
- Cab guards
Defective tires. Tire failures, blowouts and detreads are foreseeable and preventable events. Manufacturers know that tire treads will wear with proper use and at some point fail if not serviced properly and replaced after their intended period of use has expired. Most new tires made today are estimated to last between 60,000 and 80,000 miles.
Allergan Breast Implants. Due to health concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised Allergan to recall thousands of breast implants in 2019. Certain types of BIOCELL Natrelle implants were found to have an association with an increased risk of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). While cases are uncommon, the number of BIA-ALCL diagnoses has significantly increased over the past decade. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL can include swelling and pain in the breasts. If you experience discomfort from your implants, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive medical evaluation promptly. Afterward, consider contacting us. Individuals affected by BIA-ALCL may be eligible for compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Philips CPAP and BiPAP Devices. Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer used by some manufacturers, is incorporated into Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines designed to treat sleep apnea. This substance is a key ingredient in the polyurethane foam that dampens sound and vibration in these medical devices. However, when DEHP-containing polyurethane is not used as intended, it can degrade over time, posing health risks. This issue led to the recall of specific models of Philips Respironics CPAP and BiPAP machines in 2021. Recalled devices include certain models of the Philips A-series, DreamStation, Dorma, SystemOne, Trilogy, REMstar, OmniLab, E30, and Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent. Individuals using these machines may face an increased risk of inhaling or ingesting toxic particles from the foam. Research has connected DEHP exposure to various health issues, including liver cancer and problems with the reproductive, kidney, and nervous systems.
E-cigarette explosions. We are handling cases involving e-cigarettes. In addition to concerns about toxic chemicals associated with the devices, we are currently investigating cases involving severe injuries caused by exploding e-cigarette devices and exploding e-cigarette batteries. These explosions have been linked to faulty e-cigarette products, defective lithium-ion batteries, and insufficient warnings for users. With few regulations to ensure their safety, e-cigarette devices have been aggressively marketed and sold in stores throughout the United States.
Hair relaxer. A study has highlighted the potential dangers associated with frequent use of chemical hair straightening and relaxing products. According to the findings, women who use these products at least four times a year may have a doubled risk of developing uterine cancer compared to those who do not use them. There has been a noticeable increase in uterine cancer rates over the years, particularly among Black women. Earlier research has also linked hair straighteners to a higher risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and various hormone-related cancers. Key chemicals found in these products, such as parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), certain metals, and formaldehyde, are believed to contribute to the increased cancer risk. Exposure to these toxins primarily occurs through skin contact or inhalation.
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Baby Powder. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified asbestos contamination in a sample of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder. Following this discovery, consumers were advised to discontinue use of the product immediately. The presence of asbestos, even in trace amounts, poses significant health risks as there is no known safe level of exposure. Asbestos fibers, especially crystalline types found in some talc deposits, are carcinogenic. While not all Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder produced during the period was contaminated, the extent of the affected batch and its distribution remain uncertain. This raises concerns about potential ongoing exposure by parents and caregivers unaware of the contamination. Talc, the primary ingredient in baby powder, can become contaminated with asbestos during the mining process. Asbestos exposure can occur through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion, posing a risk of cancer development years later.
Bard PowerPort. C.R. Bard Inc., a medical device manufacturer, initiated a recall in 2019 for certain intravenous catheters, including the Bard PowerPort. These devices, designed for administering chemotherapy, nutrition, and other fluids, were found to have a critical manufacturing error. The company identified that some units in the distributed batch were equipped with an incorrect type of tip, potentially leading to the device cracking or breaking. Specifically, the affected PowerPorts lacked the necessary barbed tip that secures the catheter in place. As a result, there was a heightened risk of the catheter becoming dislodged, which could lead to it falling out or sliding, increasing the possibility of infections and necessitating emergency surgeries. The recall extended beyond the PowerPort series to include select models of PowerFlow, BardPort, Groshong, Vaccess, and X-Port devices.
Takata airbags. The largest automotive recall in history centers on the defective Takata airbags found in millions of vehicles manufactured by Honda, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler Trucks, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota. The defect results in shrapnel like metal shards and airbag components being propelled throughout the vehicle interior. This frequently results in lacerations and blunt force trauma that can cause injury or death. We would like to review any claim of injury or death involving Takata airbag deployment. We are also handling Honda airbag cases. After an accident, seek urgent medical attention. Once you're in a safe and secure place, call us.
Our Houston defective product lawyers make the process of collecting your money easier
If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective product, it's important to take action as soon as possible. Contacting a Texas defective product attorney can help you understand your legal options and take steps to protect your rights. By holding manufacturers and other responsible parties accountable, you can help prevent future injuries and promote consumer safety.
The Ferrell Law Group has a record of success winning claims in Texas involving defective products. Our strategy is to out-research the other side and build an evidence-based argument that cannot be denied.
When you file your claim, you will be protecting people in your community from similar pain. Our firm wants to fight for you in this battle for essential victim rights and the compensation you require. Contact us for a free consultation. We will listen to your situation and create a focused, aggressive strategy that will win your claim.