In the world of consumer products, safety and quality are key considerations. When a product causes injury due to a defect or failure to warn about potential risks, who is held responsible? This is where products liability law and the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act come into play.
What is Products Liability?
Products liability refers to the area of law in which manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers are held responsible for any injuries caused by the products they make or sell. This can include everything from defective car parts to harmful drugs, faulty appliances, and more.
Under products liability law, the victim can file a claim based on one or more of the following theories: negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty.
Products Liability in Missouri
In Missouri, victims of defective products can file a lawsuit based on any of these theories. In a negligence claim, the victim must prove that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, or warning about the product’s potential risks. In a strict liability claim, the victim doesn’t need to prove negligence but must show that the product was unreasonably dangerous and that the defect existed when it left the defendant’s control.
The breach of warranty involves a claim that the product failed to live up to certain expressed or implied promises about its performance or safety.
The Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA)
The MMPA protects consumers from deceptive and unfair business practices. Under the MMPA, consumers can bring a claim against a company that misrepresented, omitted, or deceived consumers about a product or its price.
The MMPA has broad applicability and can be invoked in product liability cases where there has been a violation of consumer protection laws. It’s a powerful tool for consumers, as it allows for the recovery of actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.
Understanding Your Rights
If you’ve been injured by a defective product in Missouri, it’s crucial to understand your rights under both products liability law and the MMPA. A skilled Missouri attorney can guide you through the process and help maximize your recovery.
In conclusion, products liability and the MMPA work in tandem to protect Missouri consumers from defective products and unfair trade practices. If you’ve been injured, seek legal counsel immediately to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
