When manufacturers release defective products into the marketplace that cause harm to consumers in New Braunfels and throughout Texas, victims may have grounds for a product liability claim based on design defects. Design defects occur when a product's inherent design makes it unreasonably dangerous, even when manufactured exactly as intended. Common examples include vehicles with unstable designs prone to rollover accidents, children's toys with choking hazards, or medical devices with fundamental flaws that pose risks to patients. Unlike manufacturing defects that affect only specific units, design defects impact entire product lines and often lead to widespread recalls. These cases can be complex, requiring extensive documentation and expert testimony to prove that a reasonable alternative design existed that would have prevented the injury while maintaining the product's essential functionality and economic feasibility.

The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code governs product liability claims in New Braunfels, operating under strict liability principles that don't require proving manufacturer negligence. However, plaintiffs must file their claim within two years of the injury date under Texas's statute of limitations. The state follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning victims can recover damages as long as they are found to be no more than 50% responsible for their injuries. Available compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of extreme manufacturer misconduct, punitive damages. While product liability insurance may cover some claims, manufacturers often vigorously defend these cases, making experienced legal representation crucial. An experienced New Braunfels design defect lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Here are common injuries that can result from product design defects:

1. Thermal Burns and Scalding Injuries - Often caused by defectively designed appliances, battery-operated devices, or products without proper heat shielding or temperature controls. For example, poorly designed lithium-ion batteries that overheat or explode, or water heaters without proper temperature regulators.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) - Frequently seen in cases involving defective protective equipment like helmets, or vehicle design flaws that compromise crash protection. This can include insufficient roof strength in rollover accidents or inadequate airbag deployment systems.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries - Often related to defective vehicle design, particularly in rollover protection systems, seat back strength, or restraint systems. Also seen with recreational equipment like trampolines or exercise machines with inadequate stability features.
4. Electric Shock and Electrocution Injuries - Results from products designed without proper insulation, grounding systems, or circuit protection. Common in household appliances, power tools, and electronic devices with insufficient safety barriers.
5. Toxic Food Product Injuries - Results from when food manufacturers are negligent in their packaging and labeling of food containers.

Each of these injury types can vary in severity and may lead to both immediate and long-term health consequences, potentially forming the basis for product liability claims when they result from fundamental flaws in product design rather than manufacturing errors or misuse.

Related Resources:

Comal County District Court 150 N. Seguin Ave. New Braunfels, TX 78130

Support Services:

• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Protection Division
• New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Business Directory (for finding qualified product safety experts)
• Texas Product Safety Commission Regional Office

Regulatory Resources:

• Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 82 (Products Liability)
• Texas Business and Commerce Code (Consumer Protection)
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Regulations
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Safety Standards

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