Hidden Defects

Hidden Defects Attorney

Nationally Trusted Legal Representation | Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation

When you buy a product, you have every right to expect that it will function as intended and meet reasonable standards of safety and quality. Unfortunately, some products may harbor hidden defects that are not immediately visible, posing significant risks to consumers. These hidden dangers can result in injuries, property damage, financial losses, and more.

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, our experienced hidden defects lawyers are committed to protecting consumers' rights nationwide from our Los Angeles office. If you've been harmed by a defective product, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. We stand ready to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Call (866) 884-1717 today to speak with our hidden defects lawyers and get the compensation you deserve for defective product injuries!

What Are Hidden Defects?

Hidden defects, also called latent defects, are flaws or imperfections in a product that are not immediately apparent at the time of purchase, even after a reasonable inspection. Unlike obvious defects, these issues may develop over time or reveal themselves only when the product is used in a specific manner.

Hidden defects can arise during the product design, manufacturing, or assembly stages, and they often make the item unsuitable for its intended use. These defects may result in serious injuries, property damage, or other unforeseeable consequences.

For example, a hidden defect in an electrical appliance could cause it to overheat and start a fire. Similarly, a flaw in the structure of a vehicle could compromise its safety during an accident. Identifying and addressing these concealed dangers is critical to ensuring consumer safety.

Examples of Hidden Defects

Hidden defects can occur in countless products, from household goods to industrial equipment. Some common examples include:

Faulty Automobile Parts: Hidden mechanical issues, such as faulty brakes or defective airbags, may not reveal themselves until a serious accident occurs. These defects can make a vehicle inherently unsafe to drive.
Dangerous Electrical Appliances: Products like toasters, space heaters, and power tools may have hidden wiring problems or improper insulation that cause electrical shocks or fires.
Structural Flaws in Furniture: Heavy furniture prone to tipping over because of a hidden design issue can lead to injuries, especially for young children.
Chemical or Toxic Hazards: Hidden defects in products like cleaning agents or cosmetics might expose users to harmful substances that are not disclosed on their labels.
Medical Devices: Defects in pacemakers, joint replacements, or other medical devices can result in life-threatening complications for patients.
Construction Materials: Hidden defects in construction materials, such as faulty foundations or improperly treated wood products, may not become obvious until significant structural issues occur.

These hidden dangers can have life-altering consequences. If you've been affected by a product that failed to meet safety standards due to hidden defects, our attorneys can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Relentlessly Pursuing the Best Possible Outcome

We've Recovered Hundreds of Millions for Our Clients

$30m Product Liability Verdict
$24m Wrongful Death Settlement
$14m Medical Device Settlement
$13.5m Personal Injury
$12m Child Wrongful Death
$11m Personal Injury

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Legal Rights of Buyers

Under product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are required to ensure the safety and reliability of the products they sell. Buyers have specific legal rights when it comes to hidden defects, including the right to seek replacement, repairs, or compensation for damages caused by the defective product.

Depending on the circumstances, legal claims against responsible parties may be based on negligence, breach of warranty, or strict liability. These are key areas where an experienced hidden defects lawyer can provide invaluable assistance.

What Defenses Might a Manufacturer Use Against a Hidden Defect Claim?

In hidden defect cases, manufacturers and other defendants often rely on well-established legal defenses to avoid responsibility. Knowing what arguments may be raised can help injured consumers better understand the challenges involved in pursuing a claim or lawsuit and why careful preparation is essential.

Manufacturers commonly assert one or more of the following defenses:

No Defect at the Time of Sale: The manufacturer may argue that the product was safe when it left their control and that the defect developed later due to normal wear and tear, poor maintenance, or post-sale damage.
Product Alteration or Modification: Defendants may claim that the product was changed or repaired by the consumer or a third party, breaking the chain of liability and shifting responsibility away from the manufacturer.
Product Misuse: A manufacturer may assert that the product was used in a way that was unintended or not reasonably foreseeable, and that this misuse—rather than a hidden defect—caused the injury.
Assumption of Risk: This defense alleges that the consumer was aware of a potential issue or danger and voluntarily chose to use the product anyway.
Adequate Warnings and Instructions: Manufacturers may argue that clear warnings or instructions were provided and that the injury resulted from a failure to follow them.
Lack of Causation: In some cases, defendants challenge whether the alleged defect actually caused the injury, pointing instead to alternative causes or preexisting conditions.

Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation understands how these defenses are deployed and how to counter them with evidence, expert analysis, and a clear demonstration of liability. Hidden defect claims demand a focused legal strategy to protect the rights of injured consumers.

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Our Impressive Track Record We Win...A Lot!

In the last 14 years, Shoop & team's impressive track record includes hundreds of Product Liability cases resulting in verdicts or settlements exceeding $1 million. For a Product Liability team with an exemplary track record, clients choose Shoop.

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Common Legal Theories in Hidden Defect Cases

Strict Liability: Manufacturers may be held liable for hidden defects regardless of whether they were negligent, provided the product was sold in an unreasonably dangerous condition.
Breach of Warranty: Both express and implied warranties exist to guarantee that a product will perform as advertised or intended. A hidden defect may serve as grounds for a breach of warranty claim.
Negligence: If a manufacturer or seller failed to take reasonable steps to identify or prevent defects, they may be held liable for resulting injuries or damage.

Understanding these legal theories is critical to confidently navigating the claims process and holding at-fault parties accountable.

How to Prove a Hidden Defect Claim

Filing a hidden defect claim requires proving several key elements to establish that the negligence or misconduct of the manufacturer or seller contributed to harm caused by the defect. These include:

The Existence of a Hidden Defect: You must demonstrate that the product in question contained a flaw that was not visible or detectable during a reasonable inspection.
The Defect Caused Injuries or Losses: Evidence is needed to show that the hidden defect directly led to harm, whether physical, financial, or otherwise. This may include medical records, property damage reports, or expert testimony.
The Product Was Used as Intended: The plaintiff must prove that they were using the product in a foreseeable manner when the defect caused the injury or loss.
Failure to Provide Warning: If manufacturers failed to include adequate warnings or instructions about the risks associated with their products, this omission could further support the claim.

Successful claims often rely heavily on expert evaluations, evidence collection, and testimony that explains how the defect occurred and how it could have been avoided. Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation works with top industry experts to build strong cases on behalf of our clients.

How Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation Can Help

Hidden defect cases can be complex and intimidating, especially when going up against large corporations with extensive legal resources. At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we have the experience, skills, and determination to fight for your rights and achieve the justice you deserve.

Why Choose Shoop?

Proven Expertise: With decades of experience handling product liability claims, we have successfully resolved cases against some of the largest manufacturers and corporations in the world.
Nationwide Representation: Based in Los Angeles, our team represents clients across the United States, providing accessible and comprehensive legal advocacy.
Collaborative Approach: We work closely with industry experts, engineers, and investigators to identify the root causes of product defects and strengthen your case.
Compassionate Support: From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, our attorneys are committed to providing empathetic, personalized service tailored to your unique needs.

What We Do for Our Clients

Conduct thorough investigations into the product defect
Obtain expert opinions on the cause and nature of the defect
Document and quantify your losses, including medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress
Negotiate compelling settlements or litigate aggressively in court

Our relentless dedication ensures that our clients receive fair compensation even in the face of the most challenging circumstances.

Contact a Hidden Defects Lawyer Today

Holding companies accountable for hidden defects is not only about securing compensation for your losses but also about advocating for safer practices across industries.

If you or someone you love has been injured or suffered damages due to a hidden defect, don’t wait to seek legal help. Time is often limited for filing claims, and moving quickly can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your case.

Call us at (866) 884-1717 or reach out online to take the first step toward justice. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, providing the expertise and relentless advocacy you deserve.

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