Victims in a product liability claim can recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by a dangerous or defective product. In some cases, they may even receive punitive damages meant to punish the manufacturer. The exact amount depends on the injury, the impact on daily life, and the strength of the evidence.
Knoxville is known for its strong community, growing businesses, and access to major retailers and manufacturers. With so many products being bought and used every day, accidents caused by defective goods can and do happen.
When they do, a Knoxville product liability attorney can help injured victims understand what compensation they may be entitled to and how to pursue it.
Below is a clear breakdown of the types of compensation victims can seek and how these damages are calculated.
Medical Expenses
First and most importantly, victims can recover medical expenses. This includes both current and future costs related to the injury.
Medical compensation may cover:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Medical devices (like braces or wheelchairs)
- Future medical treatment
If a defective product causes long-term or permanent injury, future medical costs can be a large part of the claim. Doctors and experts often help estimate these future expenses.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
In addition to medical bills, many victims lose income because they cannot work while recovering. Compensation may include:
- Wages lost during recovery
- Missed bonuses or commissions
- Lost business opportunities (for self-employed individuals)
If the injury affects the victim’s ability to work in the future, they may also claim loss of earning capacity. For example, if someone can no longer perform physical labor due to a defective power tool injury, they may be compensated for reduced future income.
This type of damage focuses not just on what was lost, but on what will be lost over time.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond financial losses, victims may recover damages for pain and suffering. This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Pain and suffering may include:
- Chronic pain
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Sleep problems
Unlike medical bills, these damages do not come with receipts. Instead, they are calculated based on the severity of the injury and how much it affects the victim’s life. The more serious and lasting the injury, the higher the potential compensation.
Property Damage
Sometimes a defective product also damages personal property. For instance, a faulty appliance could cause a house fire, or a defective car part could damage a vehicle.
In these situations, victims can recover the cost to repair or replace the damaged property. This is usually easier to calculate because there are repair estimates and receipts to support the claim.
Wrongful Death Damages
Tragically, some defective products lead to fatal injuries. In these cases, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death claim.
Compensation may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills before death
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional suffering of surviving family members
These claims aim to help families cope with both financial and emotional losses after a devastating event.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim directly for a specific loss. Instead, they are meant to punish the manufacturer or company for extreme negligence or intentional misconduct.
For example, if a company knew about a serious defect but chose not to issue a recall, a court may award punitive damages. These damages also serve as a warning to other companies to prioritize consumer safety.
What Affects the Value of a Product Liability Claim?
Several factors influence how much compensation a victim may receive:
- The severity of the injury
- Whether the injury is permanent
- The cost of medical treatment
- The impact on employment
- The strength of evidence proving the product was defective
- Whether the company acted recklessly
Because every case is different, settlement amounts vary widely.
Key Takeaways
- Victims can recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Future medical costs and loss of earning capacity are often included.
- Property damage and wrongful death damages may also apply.
- Punitive damages are possible in cases of extreme misconduct.
- The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury and supporting evidence.
