Skip to content
Defective and dangerous products can cause serious injuries when they fail during normal use. From faulty household items and vehicle components to unsafe medical devices and industrial equipment, defective products can leave victims dealing with unexpected injuries, medical bills, and long-term complications.
If you were injured by a defective or dangerous product in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, or anywhere in South Florida, you may have the right to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer responsible.
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we represent injured clients in complex product liability cases and understand how to investigate defects, identify responsible parties, and pursue full compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation with a West Palm Beach product liability lawyer. Call (561) 655-1990Â to get started.
Holding Manufacturers and Corporations Accountable for Dangerous Products
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we have the experience and resources needed to take on powerful manufacturers and insurance companies in West Palm Beach and throughout Florida.
- A long history of complex litigation experience involving serious injury claims across multiple practice areas
- More than $2.5 billion recovered for injured clients, reflecting decades of high-value case results
- A reputation for handling large, contested cases, supported by $125 million in referral fees from other attorneys
- A fully in-house team of 24 trial attorneys and 18 paralegal investigators working collaboratively on every case
- Early case development focused on identifying product defects, preserving evidence, and working with qualified experts when needed
- A trial-ready approach that prepares every case as if it may go before a jury
When a dangerous product causes harm, our firm is prepared to hold negligent manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable.
Case Results
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath has achieved significant results in complex product liability cases involving dangerous and defective products.
- $11 Million – Product Liability / Wrongful Death
Attorney: William S. Williams - $1 Million – Farming Equipment Rollover / Wrongful Death Settlement (2021)
Attorney: Trey Lytal III
When Can You File a Product Liability Claim?
In Florida, you may be able to file a product liability claim if you were injured because a product was defective or unreasonably dangerous when it left the control of the manufacturer, distributor, or seller. These cases are based on the idea that companies have a duty to ensure their products are reasonably safe when used as intended.
A product liability claim may arise when a product has a design defect, meaning it was unsafe from the start, a manufacturing defect that occurred during production, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions about known risks. These defects can involve anything from household goods and vehicle parts to industrial machinery or medical devices.
To bring a claim, it is generally necessary to show that the defective product was used in a reasonably foreseeable way and that it directly caused your injury. Because these cases often involve technical evidence and corporate defendants, they require a detailed investigation to identify how and why the product failed.
Types of Product Defects
Product liability claims in Florida typically fall into a few main categories of defects. Each type involves a different way a product can become dangerous to consumers.
- Design defects – Flaws in the original design of a product that make it unsafe even when manufactured correctly and used as intended.
- Manufacturing defects – Errors that occur during production or assembly, resulting in a product that differs from its intended design and becomes dangerous.
- Failure to warn (marketing defects) – Inadequate instructions, labels, or warnings that fail to inform users about known risks or proper use of the product.
- Breach of warranty – When a product does not perform as promised, either through express claims or implied safety and performance expectations.
How Much Is a Product Liability Case Worth in West Palm Beach?
The value of a product liability case in Florida depends on the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and the extent of the manufacturer’s or seller’s responsibility. Because these cases often involve serious injuries, the potential compensation can be significant, but every case is evaluated based on its own facts.
Compensation may include medical expenses, both current and future, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. In more serious cases, where injuries result in permanent disability or long-term complications, damages may also account for ongoing care needs and the loss of quality of life.
Punitive damages may also be available in limited situations where a company acted with extreme negligence or knowingly placed a dangerous product into the marketplace. An experienced product liability attorney can evaluate your case and determine what types of compensation may be available based on the evidence.
Who Is Liable in a Product Liability Case?
Multiple parties in the supply chain may be responsible when a defective or dangerous product causes injury in Florida. Liability depends on how the product was designed, manufactured, distributed, and sold.
- Design defects – Flaws in the original design of a product that make it unsafe even when manufactured correctly and used as intended.
- Manufacturing defects – Errors that occur during production or assembly, resulting in a product that differs from its intended design and becomes dangerous.
- Failure to warn (marketing defects) – Inadequate instructions, labels, or warnings that fail to inform users about known risks or proper use of the product.
- Breach of warranty – When a product does not perform as promised, either through express claims or implied safety and performance expectations.
Determining responsibility often requires a detailed investigation into how the product moved through the supply chain and where the defect occurred.
What You Need to Show in a Defective Product Claim
To succeed in a Florida product liability case, you must generally prove that the product was defective and that the defect directly caused your injury. These cases often require strong evidence because manufacturers and sellers typically deny responsibility and rely on technical defenses.
First, you must show that the product was defective in some way, such as a design flaw, a manufacturing error, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions. Next, you need to demonstrate that the product was being used in a reasonably foreseeable way at the time of the injury.
Finally, you must connect the defect to your injuries by showing that the product’s failure was a direct cause of harm. This is often supported through medical records, expert analysis, accident reconstruction, and product testing. Because of the complexity involved, these cases typically require a detailed investigation and expert support.
Steps to Take After a Product-Related Injury in West Palm Beach
Taking the right steps after a product-related injury can help protect your health and preserve important evidence that may be critical to your claim.
Seek medical attention immediately
Get medical care as soon as possible, even if your injuries do not seem severe at first. Some product-related injuries can worsen over time or involve internal damage that is not immediately visible.
Preserve the product and packaging
Do not throw away or repair the product involved in the incident. Keep all packaging, instructions, and any remaining components, as they may be important evidence.
Document the incident
If possible, take photos or videos of the product, your injuries, and the scene where the injury occurred. This can help show how the product failed or caused harm.
Do not alter or attempt repairs
Avoid modifying the product or allowing anyone else to fix it, as changes may affect an investigation into what went wrong.
Gather purchase information
Keep receipts, warranties, or any proof of purchase that identifies where and when the product was obtained.
Speak with a product liability attorney
An experienced attorney can help investigate the defect, preserve evidence, and communicate with manufacturers or insurance companies on your behalf.
How Product Liability Claims Work
Product liability claims in Florida involve a detailed legal process focused on identifying a defect, proving liability, and pursuing compensation from the responsible parties in the supply chain.
Case evaluation and investigation
An attorney begins by reviewing how the injury occurred, what product was involved, and whether there may be a design, manufacturing, or warning defect.
Preserving the product and key evidence
The lawyer works quickly to secure the defective product, packaging, instructions, and any related documentation before evidence is lost or altered.
Identifying responsible parties
A key part of the process is determining which companies in the chain—manufacturer, distributor, or retailer—may be legally responsible for the defect.
Working with experts
Attorneys often consult engineers, safety experts, or product specialists to analyze how and why the product failed and to support the claim with technical evidence.
Negotiation with insurance companies and corporations
The lawyer handles all communications with corporate defense teams and insurance carriers, working to secure a fair settlement based on the full extent of the damages.
Litigation if necessary
If a fair resolution cannot be reached, the attorney prepares the case for trial and presents evidence in court to pursue full compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Product Liability Claim in Florida?
In Florida, product liability claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the responsible manufacturer, distributor, or seller.
If you do not file your claim within this time period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether, regardless of how strong your case may be. This is why it is important to take action as soon as possible after a product-related injury.
In some situations, the deadline may be affected by when the injury was discovered or when the defect became reasonably known, but these exceptions are limited and fact-specific. Speaking with an attorney early can help ensure your claim is filed on time and properly preserved.
Speak With a West Palm Beach Product Liability Lawyer Today
A defective or dangerous product can cause serious, unexpected injuries that impact every part of your life. When manufacturers, distributors, or retailers put unsafe products into the marketplace, they should be held accountable under Florida law.
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we represent injured clients throughout West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County in complex product liability cases. Our team is ready to investigate what went wrong, identify all responsible parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form to speak with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Product Liability in Florida
How do I know if a product is legally considered defective?
A product may be considered defective if it has a design flaw, a manufacturing error, or lacks adequate warnings or instructions, and that defect makes it unreasonably dangerous when used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way.
Do I still have a case if I used the product incorrectly?
Possibly. Even if a product was not used exactly as intended, you may still have a claim if your use was reasonably foreseeable and the defect still contributed to your injury.
What if the product didn’t have any warning labels?
A lack of proper warnings or instructions can be a basis for a product liability claim if the absence of warnings made the product unsafe or failed to inform users of known risks.
Do I have to prove the company was negligent to win a product liability case?
Not necessarily. Many product liability cases are based on strict liability, meaning you may not need to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused your injury.
Can I still file a claim if I no longer have the product?
Yes, but it can make the case more challenging. Other evidence such as photos, receipts, witness statements, or expert analysis may still help prove your claim.
What should I do if I was injured by a recalled product?
You should still seek medical attention and speak with an attorney. A recall can support your claim, but it does not automatically determine liability or compensation.
