Richmond Product Liability Lawyer for Dangerous & Defective Products
Defective Products Hurt Virginians Across Richmond & Central VA
Across Richmond neighborhoods like The Fan, Scott’s Addition, and Church Hill—and throughout Short Pump, Midlothian, Mechanicsville, Petersburg, and Colonial Heights—dangerous consumer products cause serious injuries. From big-box stores along the I-95/I-64 corridor to locally sold goods, defective products can harm families without warning. Blank & Marcus has earned a reputation as the Richmond product liability lawyer trusted to take on these tough cases and pursue the justice our community deserves.
What Counts as a Product Liability Case in Virginia?
Theories of Recovery
In Virginia, defective product cases are built on negligence and breach of warranty. Unlike some states, Virginia law does not allow strict products liability in tort, so attorneys must carefully prove where the product failed and how it caused harm.
Types of Defects
- Design Defects – products that are inherently unsafe, such as unstable ladders or unsafe medical devices.
- Manufacturing Defects – errors in the production process, such as a faulty airbag inflator or contaminated food batch.
- Failure to Warn – missing instructions or inadequate warnings, such as unlabeled electrical hazards or choking risks on children’s toys.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
The Chain of Distribution
Under Virginia law, any party in the distribution chain—component manufacturers, product makers, distributors, or retailers—can be liable. Lack of privity is not a defense, meaning even non-purchasers can bring claims.
Third Parties
Installers, maintenance contractors, or private-label sellers may also share responsibility, depending on the facts of the case.
Common Product Cases We Handle
- Auto Defects: airbags, brakes, and tires linked to crashes on Richmond-area highways.
- Household Goods: space heaters, lithium batteries, or defective appliances leading to fires and burns.
- Children’s Products: unsafe toys, cribs, or scooters.
- Medical Devices & Drugs: select cases where defective products cause lasting harm.
What To Do After a Defective Product Injury
- Preserve Evidence: Keep the product, packaging, and receipts. Do not hand them over to insurers.
- Seek Care & Report: Get medical attention at VCU Health or Bon Secours and check for recalls.
- Call Blank & Marcus Quickly: Time matters. Experts need to evaluate the defective product before it is altered or discarded.
Evidence We Build to Prove Your Case
- Engineering & Forensics: analysis of broken parts or failed designs.
- Warnings & Human Factors: whether instructions were clear enough for safe use.
- Damages & Losses: medical experts, economists, and life-care planners help us present the full cost of long-term care.
Deadlines & Special Virginia Rules
- Two-Year Statute of Limitations: Virginia law requires product injury claims be filed within two years of the injury.
- Warranty Claims: Implied and express warranties under the UCC may apply, with notice rules that differ from negligence cases.
- No Strict Liability: Every case must be built on negligence or warranty.
Why Choose Blank & Marcus for a Product Case
Insurance companies know Blank & Marcus will take cases to trial if necessary. We have the investigative resources, expert partnerships, and local reputation to prove complex product defect claims. For families in Richmond and Central Virginia, we offer both experienced advocacy and personal attention.
FAQ: Virginia Product Liability
Do I have a case if I didn’t buy the product?
Yes. Virginia law allows non-purchasers to bring negligence and warranty claims.
Is Virginia a strict-liability state for products?
No. Product liability cases here rely on negligence and warranty.
Is Virginia a strict-liability state for products?
No. Product liability cases here rely on negligence and warranty.
How long do I have to file?
Generally, two years from the date of injury.
Do I need to keep the product?
Yes. Preserving the product is critical for expert evaluation.
Who pays—manufacturer or store?
Any party in the chain of distribution may be liable depending on the case.