When a defective product causes serious harm, you deserve a trusted Philadelphia product liability lawyer to fight for the compensation you need to rebuild.
At Wapner Newman, we have spent more than 40 years standing up for injured people across Philadelphia and beyond. Our team understands the pain, confusion, and financial pressure that follow an injury caused by something that should have been safe.
The products we buy are supposed to make life easier, not send us to the hospital. When companies cut corners on safety, the people who pay the price are everyday consumers and their families.
Whether it was a faulty appliance, a dangerous medication, or a malfunctioning vehicle part, our Philadelphia product liability attorneys are ready to listen, advise, and pursue full accountability. We see you, we hear you, and we are here to help you move forward. Call us today at (215) 569-0900 for a free consultation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONHow Can a Philadelphia Product Liability Lawyer Help You?
A skilled Philadelphia product liability lawyer can investigate the cause of your injury, identify every responsible party, and pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Pennsylvania law. Our team handles every step, so you can focus on healing.
Product injury claims are different from typical accident cases. They often involve large corporations with deep pockets and aggressive legal teams.
Our attorneys know how to take on those companies and demand answers on your behalf. We gather evidence, hire engineers and medical professionals, and build a clear picture of how the product failed. From the first call to the final resolution, we keep you informed at every stage, so you never feel left in the dark.
What Is Product Liability Law in Pennsylvania?
Product liability law allows injured consumers to hold manufacturers, designers, and sellers accountable when a defective product causes harm. In Pennsylvania, you generally do not have to prove the company acted carelessly, only that the product was defective and caused your injuries.
This area of law protects everyone who uses a product as it was intended. It also protects people harmed by foreseeable misuse, so long as the danger could have been prevented with proper design or warnings.
Most product liability cases fall into three categories.
- Design defects make a product inherently dangerous, even when it is made correctly.
- Manufacturing defects happen during production, causing one batch or unit to be unsafe while other versions of the same product are fine.
- Marketing defects include missing warnings, unclear instructions, or hidden side effects that leave consumers unaware of real risks.
Each type of defect requires a different approach, and our Philadelphia product liability attorneys know how to build the strongest case for your specific situation.
Common Defective Product Cases We Handle
Our team handles a wide range of dangerous product claims, from everyday household items to complex industrial equipment. If a product caused your injury, there is a strong chance we have handled a similar case before.
Some of the most common product liability claims we see in Philadelphia include:
- Defective vehicle parts, including faulty airbags, seat belts, and tires, which are often tracked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Dangerous prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications
- Unsafe medical devices like hip implants, surgical mesh, and pacemakers
- Children's products, including cribs, toys, car seats, and strollers
- Household appliances that catch fire, explode, or cause electric shock
- Industrial machinery and power tools that lack proper safety guards
- Contaminated food, supplements, and beverages
If you do not see your situation listed, please still reach out to us. We have helped clients harmed by everything from faulty lithium batteries to defective playground equipment, and we are ready to review your story.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONHolding the Right Parties Accountable
More than one company may be responsible when a defective product causes harm. Pennsylvania law allows injured consumers to pursue claims against every party in the chain of distribution, from the original designer to the store that sold the item.
Possible defendants in a Philadelphia product liability case may include the manufacturer, the parts supplier, the wholesaler, the retailer, and sometimes the marketing company. Our attorneys investigate every link in that chain to identify each party that contributed to the danger.
Identifying the right defendants matters because each one may carry separate insurance coverage. Pursuing multiple defendants can significantly increase the compensation available to you and your family, especially in cases involving catastrophic injuries or long-term care needs.
Compensation Available in a Philadelphia Product Liability Claim
You may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages, and in some cases punitive damages, after being injured by a defective product. The exact amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses tied to your injury. These often include current and future medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and property damage.
Keep every receipt, bill, and pay stub in a single folder. Each one helps us prove the full value of your claim and recover what you are truly owed.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for the human cost of your injury. This includes physical pain, emotional suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of activities you once loved.
These losses are harder to put a price tag on, but they are just as real. A serious injury can change how you sleep, how you work, and how you connect with the people you care about. Our attorneys make sure those changes are recognized and fairly valued in your claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are sometimes awarded when a manufacturer's conduct was especially reckless. These damages are not tied to your specific losses. Instead, they are meant to punish the company and discourage similar behavior in the future.
How Long Do You Have to File a Product Liability Claim in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a product liability lawsuit, under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to recover compensation.
A few exceptions can extend or shorten this deadline. The discovery rule, for example, may apply if you did not realize a defective product caused your injury until later, such as when a medication caused long-term damage.
The sooner you reach out, the more time we have to gather evidence and build a strong case. Witnesses can move, products can be discarded, and key records can disappear, so please do not delay.
Proving a Philadelphia Product Liability Case
Proving a product liability claim usually requires evidence that the product was defective, that the defect existed when it left the manufacturer, and that it directly caused your injuries. Our attorneys handle this complex investigation for you, so you do not have to chase down evidence on your own.
We work with engineers, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction specialists to show exactly how the product failed. We also preserve the product itself, gather purchase records, and review any recall notices issued by agencies like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Strong cases are built on detailed evidence and credible testimony from qualified professionals. Our team has the resources and relationships needed to develop both, so your story is told clearly and persuasively to insurance companies, opposing counsel, and, if needed, a jury.
What Is the Biggest Mistake After a Product Injury?
In our experience handling product injury cases across Philadelphia, the most damaging mistake consumers make is contacting the manufacturer before talking to an attorney. It feels like the natural first step, but that early call can seriously hurt your case.
Manufacturers often respond with offers to replace the product, issue a refund, or cover initial medical costs. These gestures may seem generous, but they rarely account for the true scope of an injury. Some companies ask consumers to return the defective item or sign a release as part of the exchange, which can quietly eliminate the ability to pursue a full claim down the road.
We have watched this pattern play out across more than four decades of representing injured people in Philadelphia. A consumer gets hurt, contacts the company looking for answers, and unknowingly gives away leverage they did not know they had.
If a product has caused you harm, speaking with our attorney first can help you understand your options before anything is signed, returned, or lost.
The Role of Recalls in Product Liability Cases
Product recalls can be powerful evidence in a Philadelphia product liability case. A recall shows the manufacturer or a regulator already recognized the danger, which can support your claim and strengthen the argument that the company knew or should have known about the risk.
However, a recall is not required to win your case. Many dangerous products sold throughout Center City and the wider Philadelphia area have never been formally recalled, even when they have caused real harm to consumers.
Even without a recall, our attorneys can prove the product was defective through testing, professional review, and similar injury reports. If a recall has been issued, save any related notices, emails, or paperwork you receive. These documents can play a key role in holding the right parties accountable.
Why Choose Our Philadelphia Product Liability Attorneys?
Choosing the right legal team can change the entire course of your case. At Wapner Newman, we bring more than four decades of experience to every product liability claim, along with a strong record of multimillion-dollar results for our injured clients.
When you work with us, you get more than legal representation. You get a team that treats you like family, answers your calls, and explains the process in plain language at every step.
Here is what sets our Philadelphia product liability lawyers apart:
- More than 40 years of personal injury experience across Pennsylvania and New Jersey
- A proven record of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients
- Direct access to your attorney, with regular updates throughout your case
- No fees up front, because we only get paid if we win your case
- Deep roots in the Philadelphia community, with offices just steps from City Hall
We stand with you from the first phone call to the final resolution. Our clients become members of our extended family, and we treat your fight as our own. Call (215) 569-0900 today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.
FAQs about Philadelphia Product Liability Claims
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from injured people across Philadelphia about product liability claims.
What types of products can lead to a product liability claim in Pennsylvania?
Almost any consumer or industrial product can lead to a claim if it causes harm because of a defect. Common examples include cars, medications, medical devices, appliances, tools, food items, and children's products. If you used a product as intended and were hurt, you may have a strong case worth exploring.
Do I need to keep the defective product after my injury?
Yes, please keep the product, its packaging, and any related paperwork in a safe place. The product itself is often the most important piece of evidence in your case. If the item is too large to store at home, our team can help arrange safe preservation.
What if I was partly at fault for using the product incorrectly?
You may still have a claim, even if you played some role in the incident. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault. Your total recovery would then be reduced by your share of fault.
Can I file a claim if my loved one died because of a defective product?
Yes, surviving family members can often file a wrongful death and survival action when a defective product causes a loved one's death. These cases can recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and damages for emotional loss. Our attorneys handle these sensitive claims with care and compassion.
How much does it cost to hire a Philadelphia product liability attorney at Wapner Newman?
There is no cost up front to hire our team for a product liability case. We handle these claims on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we recover compensation for you. Your first consultation is also completely free.
What if the company that made the product is based in another country?
We can still pursue your claim, even when a foreign manufacturer is involved. Pennsylvania courts often have jurisdiction over companies that sell products to consumers in the state. Distributors, importers, and U.S.-based retailers can also be held accountable for the harm you suffered, which often gives our clients multiple paths to recovery.
How long will my product liability case take to resolve?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the number of defendants, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a matter of months, while others take a year or more, particularly when multiple corporate defendants are involved. Our team will give you a realistic outlook based on the facts of your situation and keep you updated as your case moves forward, so you always know where things stand.
Call Our Philadelphia Product Liability Lawyers Today
When a defective product turns your life upside down, you do not have to face the road ahead alone. Our Philadelphia product liability lawyers at Wapner Newman are here to listen, advise, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We have spent more than 40 years helping injured people across Philadelphia and New Jersey rebuild after life-changing injuries. From our office on John F. Kennedy Boulevard in the heart of the city, we are ready to put that experience to work for you and your family.
Call (215) 569-0900 or toll-free at 800-529-6600 today to schedule your free consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case, so reach out now and let our team start fighting for you. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and pursuing the recovery you deserve.
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