Product Liability Lawyer Rochester, NY

Were you hurt by a product that was supposed to be safe?

Plaintiff-focused attorneys holding manufacturers accountable for dangerous products across Rochester, NY.

People trust that the products they buy have been designed and built to be safe. When a defect turns an everyday item into a hazard, the injuries can be severe, and the company responsible often has a well-funded defense. A product liability lawyer in Rochester, NY, at Jacobson Injury Firm investigates what went wrong, works with the right experts, identifies everyone in the chain of distribution, and pursues the full compensation injured people deserve. Attorney Adam Jacobson, licensed in New York, prepares each claim as though it will be decided by a jury. Contact us for a free consultation to learn what your case may be worth.

Product Liability Lawyer Rochester, NY

A product liability claim arises when a defective or unreasonably dangerous product injures someone. New York recognizes strict products liability, meaning an injured person generally does not have to prove the manufacturer was careless, only that the product was defective, that the defect made it unreasonably dangerous, and that it caused real harm during normal or foreseeable use. Liability can extend across the entire chain of distribution. Matters that proceed to litigation are heard in Monroe County Supreme Court, part of New York’s 7th Judicial District.

The Three Types of Product Defects

New York product liability law generally recognizes three categories of defect:

• Design defects. The product is dangerous because of how it was designed, so every unit is flawed even when manufactured perfectly.
• Manufacturing defects. The design is sound, but something went wrong during production, making a particular unit or batch dangerous.
• Failure to warn. Also called a marketing defect, this arises when a product lacks adequate instructions or warnings about a non-obvious risk.

Common Product Liability Cases We Handle

Dangerous products appear in nearly every corner of daily life. Our firm handles claims involving defective auto parts such as faulty airbags, tires, and brakes, which can turn a routine drive into a serious Rochester car accident, defective medical devices and pharmaceuticals, unsafe household appliances and tools, and dangerous children’s products and toys. Defective products can also cause Rochester burn injury claims when batteries or appliances ignite. When a defect causes a Rochester catastrophic injury or a Rochester wrongful death, the consequences reach far beyond the initial injury.

New York’s Statute of Limitations for Product Claims

Most product liability claims in New York must be brought within three years of the date of injury under CPLR § 214. For claims involving exposure to substances that cause latent injuries, such as chemicals or toxic materials, New York applies a discovery rule under CPLR § 214-c, which starts the clock when the injury was or reasonably should have been discovered. Unlike some other states, New York does not apply a broad product statute of repose that cuts off claims based on the product’s age. This means the three-year window runs from when you were injured, regardless of how old the product was.

Why Choose Jacobson Injury Firm as Your Product Liability Lawyer in Rochester, NY?

A Scientific Background That Matters

Product cases often turn on technical evidence, engineering, materials, and how an injury actually occurred. Adam Jacobson’s background fits that demand. Along with his law degree from Florida International University College of Law and bar admissions in New York, Florida, Connecticut, and Illinois, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with a minor in Immunology. That scientific foundation helps him work through complex product and medical evidence and question defense experts effectively.

Direct Attorney Access and Real Recoveries

Unlike high-volume firms that pass clients between paralegals, Adam personally handles every case from the first phone call to final resolution. He has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and knows the Monroe County courts where these cases are decided.

No Fee Unless We Win

Product liability cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there is no retainer and no hourly billing, and a fee is owed only if we recover for you. This lets injured people take on large manufacturers without financial risk. For the full range of matters we handle, see our Rochester personal injury lawyer overview.

Understanding Damages and Fault Under New York Law

Once a defect and causation are established, compensation is meant to restore what the injury took from you. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses from emergency care through rehabilitation and future treatment, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. New York’s pure comparative fault rule under CPLR § 1411 means that even a partially at-fault plaintiff can recover, with damages reduced proportionally. A manufacturer will often argue the injured person misused the product or ignored a warning, and clear evidence of normal intended use protects the claim.

Important Aspects of a Product Liability Case

Preserving the product itself is critical, because it is often the single most important piece of evidence, so it should not be repaired, discarded, or returned. Expert analysis is usually needed to establish the defect and rule out other causes. Public resources such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the NHTSA vehicle recall database track many product hazards and recalls. And prompt medical care ties the injury to the product rather than to some other cause.

The Product Liability Case Timeline

Every claim runs on its own schedule, but most follow the same path. We investigate the injury, secure and examine the product, and identify every liable party in the chain of distribution. We work with engineering and medical experts and follow your treatment so the claim reflects the full scope of your injuries. We submit a demand and negotiate toward a fair settlement. If the defense refuses a reasonable amount, we file suit in Monroe County and move into discovery. Finally, the case resolves through settlement or, when necessary, a jury trial.

Important New York Legal Resources

New York law sets the framework for these claims. The three-year statute of limitations appears in CPLR § 214, the discovery rule for latent injuries in CPLR § 214-c, and pure comparative fault under CPLR § 1411 controls how shared blame affects recovery. Recall and safety information is available from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Product Liability Lawyer FAQs

Do I have to prove the company was negligent?

Often, no. New York recognizes strict products liability, so you generally need to show the product was defective, the defect made it unreasonably dangerous, and it caused your injury during normal or foreseeable use, rather than proving the manufacturer was careless.

Who can be held responsible for a defective product?

Responsibility can extend to the manufacturer of the finished product, the maker of a defective component part, the distributor, and the retailer that sold it. Identifying every liable party expands the insurance coverage available to compensate you.

How long do I have to file a product liability claim in New York?

Most claims must be brought within three years of the injury under CPLR § 214. For latent injuries discovered later, CPLR § 214-c applies a discovery rule. Unlike some states, New York does not have a broad statute of repose based on the product’s age.

What should I do with the product that injured me?

Keep it, and do not repair, alter, or throw it away. The product itself is usually the most important evidence in the case. Preserve it along with any packaging, manuals, and receipts.

What does it cost to hire a product liability lawyer?

Nothing upfront. Jacobson Injury Firm handles product liability cases on a contingency basis, so there are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you, and the initial consultation is free.

Our Rochester Office

Jacobson Injury Firm serves injured clients throughout Rochester and Monroe County from our office at 1080 Pittsford-Victor Road, Pittsford, NY 14534. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can reach us at (585) 510-4349 to arrange a free consultation.

Contact Jacobson Injury Firm to Schedule a Consultation

If a defective product injured you or someone you love in Rochester, you do not have to take on a manufacturer and its insurers alone. A Rochester product liability lawyer at our firm can review what happened, preserve the evidence, and pursue the full compensation the law allows. Consultations are free, and we work on a contingency basis, so there are no attorney fees unless we recover for you. Contact Jacobson Injury Firm today to speak directly with Adam Jacobson.