Defective Machines & Equipment

In today’s modern world, we are surrounded by countless pieces of machinery and equipment. Although we have little choice in this, we trust manufacturers to ensure that the products they provide are safe and will not lead to injuries or death. Unfortunately, some manufacturers fail to create equipment that is fit for human use, or mistakes may happen during the manufacturing process that result in dangerous machinery. If you or someone you know has been hurt as the result of a defective device or piece of equipment, you may be entitled to compensation. Experienced product liability lawyer Patrick E. Knie has spent over 40 years guiding Spartanburg residents and other accident victims through this process. He also has an office in Greenville from which he serves individuals in that area.

In an instance where a machine or other equipment causes an accident, the victim can typically seek compensation from the manufacturer for his or her injuries. South Carolina law recognizes two separate ways that the victim can prove that the manufacturer is liable: defective manufacturing and unreasonably dangerous design. These methods of proving liability are known as strict liability theories because the plaintiff does not need to show that the defendant failed to meet a certain standard of care, as would be required in a negligence claim.

The first method requires the victim to show that the specific item that caused his or her injuries suffered from a defect or flaw during the manufacturing process. The second method of proving liability requires the plaintiff to show that the inherent design of the product was unreasonably dangerous. This means that each device that came off the assembly line posed a threat or danger to the consumer. Proving liability through this method often requires the help of experts who can explain how the product is designed and why the design poses a threat.

After showing that the machine or equipment either contained a manufacturing defect or suffered from an unreasonably dangerous design, the plaintiff must prove that he or she was hurt as a result of the flaw. Finally, it is essential to provide evidence of the damages that were incurred. Compensation typically includes medical bills, the costs of future treatment, and pain and suffering. Depending on the size and purpose of the machine, some injuries can be extremely severe. They may even result in the loss of limbs, vision, or other permanent physical harm. If the victim requires daily living assistance or is prevented from returning to his or her occupation, the defendant manufacturer may be required to provide compensation for these damages as well.

If a machine or another piece of equipment has caused you to suffer devastating harm, you may be entitled to compensation. The staff at the Knie & Shealy Law Offices is prepared to help you build up evidence to support your case and aggressively assert your rights against a manufacturer. Injury attorney Patrick E. Knie has helped many accident victims in the Spartanburg area as well as Greenville and elsewhere in South Carolina, including communities across Union, Laurens, Cherokee, and Greenville Counties. Call us now at (864) 582-5118 or contact us online to set up a free consultation to discuss your situation.