Few manufacturers intentionally create and sell an inherently dangerous
product or attempt to conceal its dangers. However, there are many
products that do injure people despite manufacturers' and governmental
efforts to keep products safe.
For example, if you use a knife to slice a bagel and cut your hand in
the process, neither the manufacturer of the knife nor the bagel bakery
will likely be held responsible. However, if the knife snaps and
injures you because of a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer - and
possibly the distributor and the store that sold it to you - will be
liable. Similarly, if the bagel contains impurities that make you very
ill, the bakery may be liable for your injuries.
If products do not meet standards set by the government, or if
the required governmental approval of a product (such as a new drug) was
obtained by suppressing negative test results, there will clearly be
liability on the part of the manufacturer. A product liability lawyer can assess the facts and circumstances and also candidly evaluate what a likely recovery might be.
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