The auto maker Fiat Chrysler has recently recalled a total of 1.33 million vehicles due to two separate issues. Nearly 600,000 Dodge Journey vehicles (2011-2015 models) were recalled because of faulty wiring that “could chafe against pieces of steering-wheel trim, potentially causing a short-circuit and ultimately leading to an inadvertent air bag deployment.” The company also recalled another nearly 600,000 vehicles because the alternators posed a fire risk. The vehicles with faulty alternators include 2011-2014 Chrysler 300s, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Challengers, and Dodge Durango SUVs, as well as 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees.
This recall comes just two months after Fiat Chrysler was forced to recall 1.2 million Ram pickups over seat belt and airbag malfunctions (the 2013-16 Ram 1500 and 2014-16 Ram 3500 models were recalled). In that recall, the New York Times reported that an internal investigation by Fiat Chrysler revealed that “a significant impact to the underside of Ram pickups could cause the computer systems to generate error codes that temporarily disable the safety equipment.” In other words, the safety mechanisms could fail during a car accident, when they are needed most.
Defective Products Cause Millions of Injuries Each Year
The problems at Fiat Chrysler are nothing unique. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 38,573,000 injuries requiring medical attention that were related to a consumer product. Of these, there were approximately 36,000 deaths. Manufacturers of any products sold in Georgia have a duty to ensure that those products are safe to use. When consumers in Georgia suffer an injury due to a defective product, they can bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.
Experienced Product Liability Attorneys Get Justice for Victims
When companies put dangerous products on the market and cause Georgia consumers harm, they should be held accountable. The experienced Kennesaw, GA product liability attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, know how to investigate these types of cases, identify the best possible legal arguments to be made, and gather all necessary evidence to make sure that product liability claims are successful.
It is also important that victims get the compensation they deserve. Damages in a product liability claim can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In cases where a company was grossly negligent or intentionally permitted a dangerous product to be sold, punitive damages may also be awarded. However, under Georgia law, when punitive damages are awarded in a product liability case, 75 percent of those proceeds are paid to the State of Georgia.
Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, to Discuss Your Case
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a defective product, it is crucial that you understand your rights. The personal injury attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, can help you understand if you have a valid claim, and if so can work to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Located in Kennesaw, Georgia, Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, serves clients throughout the state.
