Defective Product Injuries in Nevada
Nevada imposes strict liability on manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of defective products. This means you don't have to prove the company was careless — only that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injury. This is one of the strongest consumer protection standards in the country.
Three Types of Product Defects
- Design defects — the product's design is inherently dangerous, even when manufactured correctly (e.g., an SUV with a dangerously high rollover risk)
- Manufacturing defects — an error during production makes a specific unit dangerous (e.g., a contaminated batch of medication)
- Marketing defects (failure to warn) — the product lacks adequate warnings or instructions about known risks (e.g., a medication without warnings about dangerous side effects)
Common Defective Product Cases
- Auto defects — faulty brakes, defective tires, airbag failures, seatbelt defects, fuel system fires, rollover-prone designs
- Medical devices — hip and knee replacements, surgical mesh, pacemakers, IVC filters
- Pharmaceutical drugs — undisclosed side effects, contaminated medications, inadequate warnings
- Children's products — choking hazards, toxic materials, unsafe cribs and car seats
- Power tools and equipment — missing guards, defective switches, inadequate safety mechanisms
- Household appliances — electrical fires, explosions, carbon monoxide leaks
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices — battery explosions causing burns and facial injuries
Building a Product Liability Case
Product liability cases often require significant resources — expert witnesses, engineering analysis, and extensive discovery from the manufacturer. Ryan Alexander's approach includes:
- Preserving the defective product — the physical product is often the most important piece of evidence
- Engaging expert engineers — to analyze the defect and explain how it caused your injuries
- Corporate discovery — uncovering internal documents showing the manufacturer knew about the defect
- Recall and complaint research — checking CPSC, FDA, and NHTSA databases for prior complaints and recalls
- Medical documentation — connecting your specific injuries to the product defect
Compensation for Defective Product Injuries
- Medical expenses — all treatment related to the defective product injury
- Lost wages and earning capacity — income lost during recovery and future limitations
- Pain and suffering — physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life
- Disfigurement — scarring, burns, and permanent physical changes
- Punitive damages — available when the manufacturer knowingly sold a dangerous product