If you were injured by a defective or unreasonably dangerous product in Peoria, Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced Peoria product liability lawyer with Joel E. Brown, P.C. can help you from start to finish and will work hard to maximize the value of your claim.
Attorney Joel Brown has over 30 years of legal experience. He has won over $60 million in damages for clients in Peoria and all over Illinois. He’s a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in America. Contact our law office today at 309-673-4357 to schedule your free consultation.
How Joel E. Brown, P.C. Can Help With a Product Liability Claim in Peoria, IL
Product liability cases often involve powerful corporations and large insurance carriers. As a solo practitioner, Joel E. Brown, P.C. provides direct, personalized attention to every case and is prepared to take on manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how our Peoria product liability attorney can assist with your case:
- Investigate the defect: Determine whether the product failed due to design, manufacturing, or marketing issues.
- Gather and preserve evidence: Collect medical records, product samples, purchase documentation, and witness statements.
- Work with industry experts: Collaborate with engineers, medical professionals, and forensic specialists.
- File and manage insurance claims: Negotiate directly with insurers to seek a fair settlement.
- Litigate if necessary: Take your case to trial when the responsible parties refuse to offer full compensation.
Product liability cases require aggressive advocacy and technical knowledge. Joel Brown brings both to every case he handles. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyer in Peoria, IL, today for a free case review.
What To Know About Product Liability Cases in Peoria, IL
Illinois law holds manufacturers, designers, and sellers responsible when their products cause harm. You may have a claim if the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous when used as intended or in a foreseeable manner.
Common types of product defects include:
- Design defects: Flaws in the product’s blueprint that make all units inherently unsafe.
- Manufacturing defects: Errors during production that affect individual items.
- Marketing defects (failure to warn): Inadequate instructions or missing warnings about known risks.
There are some products that are more likely to result in defects than others.
Examples of defective products include:
- Recalled auto parts (brakes, airbags, tires)
- Unsafe pharmaceutical drugs or medical devices
- Faulty electronics and household appliances
- Hazardous toys or baby products
- Contaminated food or beverages
Strict liability applies in most Illinois product liability cases, meaning you do not have to prove negligence, only that the product was defective and caused your injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Product Liability Case in Peoria, IL?
A successful product liability claim may allow you to recover economic and non-economic damages for:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
- Property damage: Costs to replace or repair any personal property damaged by the defective product.
Punitive damages are given in rare cases. They apply when there is serious misconduct or a clear disregard for safety.
Can You Recover Compensation if You Were Partially at Fault in Illinois?
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means you can recover compensation if you are found 50% or less responsible for the incident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but determined to be 30% at fault, your final award would be $70,000. If you are 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover damages.
In product liability claims, manufacturers often try to shift blame to the user. Joel Brown knows how to push back and present clear evidence of the product’s defect.
How Long Do You Have To File a Product Liability Lawsuit in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, most product liability lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Failing to file within this statute of limitations can result in your claim being dismissed, though keep in mind that the discovery rule applies to these cases.
That means if you didn’t discover your injury until after the fact, you may still be able to file a claim. However, there is a statute of repose in place that allows 10 years from the date you initially purchased the product or 12 years from the date it was manufactured, whichever is earlier. This statute of repose deadline applies regardless of when you discovered your injury.
There are exceptions to these time limits as well, but only in rare cases. It’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Contact a Peoria Product Liability Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured by a defective product in Peoria, you deserve answers. Joel E. Brown, P.C. is prepared to hold manufacturers and sellers accountable for the harm their products caused.
Joel E. Brown has decades of experience and a track record of multi-million-dollar results. Our firm provides dedicated advocacy and personalized service. Contact our Peoria product liability attorney today for a free consultation and start your path to recovery.
