Air conditioner on fire as an example of a product liability case.

Persistence in Product Liability Cases

Consumers trust that organizations prioritize safety in design, production and distribution — yet defective products still enter the market. After you’ve experienced life-changing injuries from a defective product, Roman & Boock’s product liability lawyers step up to help you fight back.

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Product Liability Cases Explained

To have a viable product liability case, you must prove that a product was defective, it was the cause of your injury and it was used as intended or reasonably anticipated. Our product liability attorneys are based in St. Louis – as such, we handle cases in both Missouri and Illinois. Each state has their own legal requirements for product liability cases.

Missouri 

In Missouri, product liability cases have a five-year statute of limitations, starting on the date of the injury. 

Illinois 

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations, starting on the date of injury. However, a statute of repose is also in place — product liability claims cannot be filed if injuries occur 10 years from the date of sale or 12 years from the manufacturing date.

At-Fault Parties

Liability varies depending on the nature of the defect and each party’s role in the chain of distribution. 

 Our product liability lawyers may pursue legal action against one or more of the following parties:

  • Manufacturers
  • Distributors
  • Retailers
  • Suppliers
  • Consultants
  • Designers

Categories of Product Defects

Icon: Car on fire.

Design Defects

Even when a product is manufactured correctly, it may be inherently dangerous or unsafe due to its design. One famous example is the Ford Pinto — its fuel tank was improperly placed, which made it more prone to explosion following a rear-end collision. 

Icon: Dresser falling over.

Manufacturing Defects

Some products deviate from their intended design and become unsafe to use due to improper production. One famous product liability case includes the Ikea “Malm” dresser — an instability caused it to fall over on a child. 

Icon: Steaming hot coffee cup.

Marketing Defects

Injuries may arise when there is a failure to inform of a product’s dangers through warnings, instructions or labeling. One famous example is the McDonald’s hot coffee case — the company failed to warn of extreme temperatures, resulting in severe burns. 

Common Claims

Industry regulations and safety standards are in place to protect consumers. However, companies often fail to comply. 

At Roman & Boock, our product liability lawyers tackle cases that include the following product categories:

  • Medical Devices 
  • Medications
  • Car Parts 
  • Power Tools
  • Heavy Machinery 
  • Appliances
  • Furniture 
  • Children’s Toys
Attorney looking at a computer.

Our Case Process

Roman & Boock is here for victims of products gone wrong. However, we want you to fully understand the steps ahead before we take on your case. Explore our typical process, as explained by leading product liability attorneys in St. Louis.

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Attorney Spotlight

Rachel Roman

Rachel Roman is a trial lawyer with nearly 20 years of litigation experience in Missouri and Illinois. Rachel is a former ER nurse who uses her background to tackle complex medical malpractice, birth injury cases and product liability cases. On behalf of her clients, she leaves no stone unturned in the journey to justice. 

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Our Clients’ Perspectives

"
I cannot imagine having better representation than Rachel Roman. She is highly intelligent, astute, perceptive and compassionate. It is very clear from the moment you meet her that she truly cares about her clients and will leave no stone unturned.
Ashley A.
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[Rachel] doesn’t look at her clients as numbers or money. She looks at them as humans that are going through a very difficult time! I will forever be grateful for Rachel and her falling into our path!
Tiffany S.
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Roman & Boock Resources

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Medical Malpractice Cases

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