When defective products cause traumatic brain injuries, victims can pursue product liability claims against manufacturers, designers, and distributors. These cases apply regardless of whether the manufacturer was negligent—strict liability makes companies responsible for injuries caused by defective products.
Products That Cause TBI
Automotive Products
- Defective airbags – Failing to deploy, deploying with excessive force, or exploding
- Faulty seatbelts – Failures allowing occupants to strike interior surfaces
- Roof crush defects – Roofs collapsing in rollovers
- Brake failures – Causing accidents leading to head trauma
Helmets
- Motorcycle helmets – Failing to provide advertised protection
- Sports helmets – Football, hockey, cycling helmets with design flaws
- Construction hard hats – Inadequate impact protection
Other Products
- Power tools – Kickback or flying debris
- Industrial equipment – Inadequate guards or safety features
- Consumer products – Exploding devices, unstable furniture
- Children's products – Toys and equipment causing head injuries
Types of Product Defects
Design Defects
The product's fundamental design is unreasonably dangerous. All units have the same flaw.
Manufacturing Defects
Errors during production make specific units dangerous while other units are safe.
Warning Defects
Inadequate warnings or instructions about known risks.
Legal Theories
Strict Liability
Plaintiffs need only prove the product was defective, the defect made it unreasonably dangerous, and the defect caused the injury. No need to prove the manufacturer was negligent.
Negligence
Proving the manufacturer failed to exercise reasonable care in design, manufacture, or warnings.
Evidence
Preserving the defective product is essential. If the product is lost, repaired, or destroyed, proving the defect becomes extremely difficult. Additional evidence includes:
- Expert analysis of the defect
- Similar incident reports and recalls
- Internal company documents about known problems
- Testing data and safety certifications
Conclusion
Product liability claims for TBI hold manufacturers accountable when their products fail to protect consumers. Immediate evidence preservation and expert analysis are critical—contact an attorney before the product is altered or discarded.