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Can product liability and personal injury claims converge?

As we’ve discussed, a personal injury lawsuit generally includes an allegation that the plaintiff’s injuries resulted from another individual’s negligent actions. A products liability lawsuit, in contrast, usually includes a claim against a manufacturer alleging an unsafe or dangerous defect in a product’s design or function.

Although a civil lawsuit does allow a plaintiff to simultaneously allege alternative theories of liability, personal injury and product liability allegations are often separate. Of course, exceptions exist. Today’s story illustrates such a twist.

Specifically, the defendants in several motor vehicle accident lawsuits involving certain models made by General Motors Co. may have been wrongfully imputed with civil and/or criminal liability. In the case of one Chevrolet Cobalt driver, a judge recently overturned the woman’s guilty plea based on the newly discovered evidence of GM’s defective ignition switches. 

To date, GM has recalled around 64 million vehicles in the United States. However, the recall is coming years after many of those vehicles had been in service. Some of the affected cars may have been on the country’s roads and highways for 10 years or more. In the meantime, wrongful outcomes against defendant drivers in personal liability and/or criminal lawsuits may have been entered.

Our law firm focuses on both personal injury and product liability claims. We understand the nuances unique to each area of law, as well as strategies for overcoming procedural issues. For example, the statute of limitations in bringing a product liability claim is based on one year from the time the injury is or should have been discovered. Our firm’s website describes these practice areas in greater detail.

Source: Insurance Journal, “Drivers Convicted, Jailed for Crashes Now Blamed on Car Defects,” Margaret Cronin Fisk and Jeff Green, Sept. 2, 2015

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"They took a case that others would have stayed clear of.."
I have the utmost respect for Rip Andrews and the lawyers at MRB Law. They took a case that others would have stayed clear of because the issue of state immunity was involved. Through determination and unwavering commitment they were able to a find resolution to an extremely difficult matter.
Nancy Owen
"They took a case that others would have stayed clear of.."
I have the utmost respect for Rip Andrews and the lawyers at MRB Law. They took a case that others would have stayed clear of because the issue of state immunity was involved. Through determination and unwavering commitment they were able to a find resolution to an extremely difficult matter.
Nancy Owen
"They...brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict ."
These lawyers took a complicated issue, revealed the truth in a way 12 jurors unfamiliar with the topic could understand, and brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict. They were able to relate my “invisible” medical condition to the jury better than I can to my own friends. And because of that, the jury hugged me and cried with me when it was all over. That meant more to me than any amount of money.
Caroline Malatesta
"They...brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict."
These lawyers took a complicated issue, revealed the truth in a way 12 jurors unfamiliar with the topic could understand, and brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict. They were able to relate my “invisible” medical condition to the jury better than I can to my own friends. And because of that, the jury hugged me and cried with me when it was all over. That meant more to me than any amount of money.
Caroline Malatesta
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I can’t adequately put into words the appreciation I have for Mr. Derrick Mills and MRB Law. He was assertive in his fight for justice for our family during our time of tragedy. Mr. Mills is knowledgeable, passionate and a great communicator. Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed. Thank you Mr. Mills for being a dedicated professional! Justice done right!
Dana Owens
"Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed."
I can’t adequately put into words the appreciation I have for Mr. Derrick Mills and MRB Law. He was assertive in his fight for justice for our family during our time of tragedy. Mr. Mills is knowledgeable, passionate and a great communicator. Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed. Thank you Mr. Mills for being a dedicated professional! Justice done right!
Dana Owens
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