Pittsburgh
Product Liability Lawyer

A Pittsburgh product liability lawyer can help you hold a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer accountable when a defective product causes serious injury. Pennsylvania law allows injured consumers to pursue compensation from the companies responsible, often without having to prove the company was negligent.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our attorneys have represented injury victims across Western Pennsylvania since 1981. We have recovered hundreds of millions for Pittsburgh families. If a defective product has injured you or someone you love in Pittsburgh, get in touch for a free case evaluation. You won’t owe us anything unless we recover for you.

Call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation

Who Is Liable if I Was Injured by a Defective Product?

More than one company in the supply chain can share liability for a defective product, including the manufacturer, a component part maker, the distributor, and the retailer who sold it.

Pennsylvania recognizes strict product liability, meaning an injured consumer generally does not need to prove the company was careless, only that the product was defective and that defect caused the injury.

Design Defects

A design defect exists when a product is unreasonably dangerous even when made exactly as intended.

A design defect can be proven under a consumer expectations theory or a risk-utility theory, depending on the product and facts involved.

Manufacturing Defects

A manufacturing defect occurs when a product departs from its intended design during production, making that particular unit more dangerous than others made the same way.

Failure to Warn

A product can also be defective if it lacks adequate instructions or warnings about risks that were not obvious to an ordinary user. If you are not sure why a product failed or who in the supply chain is responsible, stop and call us first. That is our job to investigate, not yours.

Your Rights to Protecting Your Product Liability Claim

Pennsylvania product liability claims are governed by statutes and legal standards that may affect when a lawsuit can be filed, what evidence is important, and how liability is determined. Some of the key considerations include:

Statute of Limitations

In most cases, Pennsylvania law allows two years from the date of the injury to file a product liability lawsuit. This deadline is established by 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524. Failing to file within the applicable statute of limitations may prevent an injured person from pursuing a claim, although limited exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances.

Preserving the Product

The product involved in the incident may serve as important evidence in a product liability case. If possible, it should be preserved in its post-incident condition, along with any packaging, instruction manuals, receipts, or warranty information. Altering, repairing, or discarding the product could make it more difficult to determine whether a defect existed.

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Comparative Fault

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system under 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102, which generally allows an injured person to recover damages in negligence actions as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the injury. Product liability claims may involve negligence, strict liability, or both, and the effect of comparative fault can vary depending on the legal theory asserted and the facts of the case.

Evidence in Product Liability Cases

Product liability claims often require evidence beyond medical records and witness statements. Depending on the nature of the alleged defect, the parties may rely on product inspections, engineering analyses, manufacturing records, safety standards, and testimony to evaluate whether a product was defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed.

Product liability lawsuits arising in the Pittsburgh area are commonly filed in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

The appropriate court and venue, however, depend on the specific facts of the case, including where the injury occurred and the parties involved.

How We Handle Product Liability Claims

Product liability claims often involve complex legal and technical issues, as well as manufacturers and insurers with substantial resources.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with our team.

  • Step 1: Begin With a Free Case Evaluation
    Before discussing your injury with a manufacturer or insurance company, speak with an attorney. During your free consultation, we’ll review the circumstances of your case, explain your legal rights, and discuss the options available to you.
  • Step 2: Preserve the Product and Supporting Evidence
    The product involved in your injury may be one of the most important pieces of evidence in your claim. We help ensure that the product, its packaging, purchase records, photographs, and other relevant materials are properly preserved for investigation.
  • Step 3: Investigate the Product and Identify Responsible Parties
    Our attorneys examine how the product was designed, manufactured, distributed, and sold to determine whether a defect contributed to the injury. When appropriate, we work with engineers, safety specialists, and other experts to evaluate the evidence and identify every potentially liable party.
  • Step 4: Handle the Legal Process on Your Behalf
    After you retain our firm, we manage communications with manufacturers, insurance companies, and defense attorneys. We also gather evidence, prepare legal filings, and handle negotiations so you can focus on your recovery.
  • Step 5: Seek Full and Fair Compensation
    We pursue compensation for the losses supported by your claim, whether through settlement negotiations or litigation. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to present your case in court.
  • Step 6: Pay Nothing Unless We Recover Compensation
    Our product liability cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront attorney’s fees, and you owe nothing unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Scheduled An Initial Consultation With Us

Types of Product Liability Cases We Handle

We represent individuals injured by a wide range of defective consumer and commercial products, including:

  • Defective Auto Parts and Vehicle Components – Defects involving brakes, tires, airbags, steering systems, and other vehicle components may contribute to serious accidents and injuries.
  • Dangerous Household Appliances – Appliances with electrical, mechanical, or design defects may cause fires, electric shocks, burns, or other preventable injuries.
  • Defective Machinery and Power Tools – Industrial equipment, construction machinery, and power tools that malfunction or lack adequate safety features can result in severe workplace and consumer injuries.
  • Children’s Products and Toys – Toys, cribs, car seats, and other children’s products may pose safety risks when they contain manufacturing defects, design flaws, or inadequate warnings.
  • Defective Medical Devices – Medical devices that fail unexpectedly or are defectively designed or manufactured may cause serious complications requiring additional treatment or surgery.
  • Dangerous Pharmaceuticals – Prescription and over-the-counter medications may give rise to product liability claims when they contain manufacturing defects or inadequate warnings about known risks.
  • Faulty Safety Equipment – Helmets, protective gear, smoke detectors, and other safety products may fail to provide the protection users reasonably expect when they are defectively designed or manufactured.
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ABOUT
Why Choose the Product Liability Attorneys at OMP

Product liability cases often involve complex legal and technical issues, including product design, manufacturing processes, safety standards, and expert analysis.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our attorneys have more than 40 years of experience representing injury victims throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.

  • More than four decades of personal injury experience: Our firm has represented individuals and families in a wide range of complex injury claims, including cases involving defective and dangerous products.
  • Experience handling complex product liability litigation: Product liability claims may involve manufacturers, distributors, retailers, insurers, and multiple legal theories. Our attorneys are prepared to manage these complexities and advocate for our clients at every stage of the case.
  • Thorough investigation of product defects: We gather and preserve critical evidence, review product documentation, and work with qualified experts when necessary to determine how a product may have failed and who may be legally responsible.
  • Personalized legal representation: You’ll work directly with an attorney who will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and keep you informed throughout the legal process.
  • No upfront attorney’s fees: We handle product liability cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation
“

I had the pleasure of working with Eve Elsen on an injury case. The opposing insurance company was difficult to work with, and it was a long process, but the outcome that she worked so hard to achieve for me was amazing. Eve was thorough, professional and a shark when she needed to be. She is very well connected in the industry and that wasn't something that I ever thought would be necessary, but definitely helped maximize my payout. I highly recommend Eve and Ogg, Murphy and Perkosky, P. C.

– M. M.
“

Ben Gobel was extremely helpful with my case. He was thorough, transparent, and kept me informed throughout the process. I trusted him completely because he addressed my questions before I even had to ask. I was very pleased with the outcome of my settlement.

– J. B.
“

Mr. Perkosky was the best attorney we have ever worked with. He gave us confidence and peace of mind throughout our case while going above and beyond with his compassion, understanding, hard work, and patience. Mr. Perkosky and his team set the standard for exceptional legal representation, and I highly recommend them.

– A. R.
“

I can't thank Ben enough for his professionalism and dedication to our case. He found his way through some impossible road blocks and fought for us until the very end. I highly recommend Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C.

– M. D.
“

As a fellow attorney, I refer my clients who need personal injury or medical malpractice representation to Ben Gobel at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. He is highly attentive to my clients' needs and consistently achieves outstanding results.

– N. K.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Product Liability Claims

View All FAQs

Not necessarily. Pennsylvania recognizes strict product liability in many cases, which may allow an injured person to recover by proving the product was defective and that the defect caused the injury, rather than proving the manufacturer acted negligently.

Keep the product in the same condition it was in after the incident, along with its packaging, instructions, receipts, and any related documentation. Avoid repairing, modifying, or discarding it, as it may serve as important evidence in your claim.

In most cases, Pennsylvania law provides a two-year statute of limitations for product liability claims involving personal injuries. Because exceptions may apply in certain situations, it is generally advisable to seek legal guidance promptly.

In many situations, yes. A product liability claim may be available to someone injured by a defective product even if they did not purchase it themselves, provided they were using or reasonably expected to come into contact with the product.

A warning label does not automatically prevent a product liability claim. Whether a manufacturer may still be liable depends on factors such as the adequacy of the warning, the product’s design, and the circumstances surrounding the injury.

Our firm handles product liability cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront attorney’s fees. You only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf, and consultations are provided at no cost.

Speak With a Pittsburgh Product Liability Attorney Today

A defective or unsafe product can leave you with significant medical expenses, lost wages, and lasting injuries. Taking prompt action can help preserve the product, secure important evidence, and ensure your legal options are fully evaluated before critical deadlines pass.

Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., represents individuals injured by defective products throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Our attorneys are available to assess your claim, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today or call (412) 471-8500 to schedule your free case evaluation.

Call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation.

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    The results obtained in any particular case depend upon the specific facts and circumstances of that case. Past verdicts and settlements do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in future cases.

    245 Fort Pitt Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, US