Defective and dangerous products cause thousands of injuries annually in Wisconsin, leading to complex product liability claims. These cases arise from manufacturing defects, design flaws, or inadequate warning labels across various consumer goods, from household appliances to children's toys. In Green Bay, product liability claims often involve industrial equipment due to the city's manufacturing sector, as well as consumer electronics, automotive parts, and medical devices. Victims may suffer burns, lacerations, broken bones, or long-term health complications. Product liability claims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Successfully proving these cases requires establishing the product's defect, demonstrating it caused the injury, and showing proper use of the product at the time of incident.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin follows strict liability doctrine in product liability cases under Wis. Stat. § 895.047. Claims must be filed within three years of injury discovery under the state's statute of limitations. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may all be held liable under Wisconsin's chain of distribution theory. Comparative negligence laws allow recovery even if the plaintiff is partially at fault, provided their responsibility doesn't exceed 51%. Compensation can include economic damages (medical bills, lost wages), non-economic damages (pain and suffering), and potentially punitive damages in cases of egregious manufacturer conduct. Product liability insurance may cover claims, though coverage limits and exclusions vary. An experienced Green Bay product liability lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Types of product liability claims in Wisconsin include:

• Allergan Breast Implants
• Depo-Provera Lawsuits
• Automotive Jackstands
• Defective Zimmer Knee Replacements
• Smith & Nephew Hip Implants
• Transvaginal Mesh

Related Resources

Courts:

• Brown County Circuit Court
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin (Green Bay Division)

Support Services:

• Wisconsin Consumer Protection Bureau
• Brown County Victim/Witness Assistance Program
• Wisconsin State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

Regulatory Information:

• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
• Consumer Product Safety Commission Wisconsin Office
• Wisconsin Products Liability Law (Wis. Stat. § 895.047)

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