Consumers Win Victory Against Foreign Manufacturers

A federal and state judge both ruled at the beginning of September that consumers can pursue lawsuits against a foreign drywall manufacturer. A federal judge in New Orleans and a state judge in Miami Dade County both ruled that Taishan Gypsum Ltd. can be sued in US court by consumers.
This should come as a welcome relief to many consumers in the United States. Increasingly, the consumer products that people buy every day are manufactured by overseas entities. Up until now, it has been unclear whether or not those manufacturers could be sued in United States courts. These rulings ensure that they can be sued.

Defective Foreign Products

Product liability claims are really not that novel and manufacturers find themselves being sued over defective products all the time. Some of the most egregious instances of defective products, however, start with overseas manufacturers. From pet food that ends up killing pets to baby toys that are painted with lead paint, overseas manufacturers have not demonstrated any real commitment to safety, quality or their customers. Because of these rulings, they will be responsible for the defective imported products that make it to United States shores.

Suing an Overseas Manufacturer

As you may have guessed, suing an overseas manufacturer is complex. If you have been the victim of a manufacturer who put a product on the market that was dangerous or even deadly, you’ll want to make certain that you contact an experienced product liability lawyer to handle the claim.
The fact that this is a new development shouldn’t make it any more difficult for your lawyer to pursue a claim for you. The law changes all the time and part of a lawyer’s job is to be abreast of those changes and to understand how they change, enhance or diminish the rights of their clients.

Speak to An Attorney About the Details

If you’re not sure whether or not a product that you used was defective and ended up being the cause of an injury or property damage, talking to an attorney is the best way to find out. They can help you to investigate the matter and find out where culpability lies. In some cases, you may not actually have a claim, but these attorneys will let you know if that is the case and they will refuse to take your case if you don’t have a good claim. If you do have a good claim, you may find yourself getting a jury award or settlement.