Every day, we rely on products to make life easier—whether it’s a household appliance, a car, or even medication. But what happens when a product meant to help you causes serious harm? From defective airbags to dangerous pharmaceuticals, unsafe products can lead to devastating injuries.
Consumers in Santa Fe and across New Mexico have legal protections when defective or dangerous products harm them. Whether the issue lies in manufacturing, design, or a lack of proper warnings, product liability laws hold companies accountable. By working with an experienced product liability attorney, injured consumers seek justice and recover compensation for their losses.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for distributing defective or dangerous products to consumers. When a product causes harm due to a defect, the injured party may have grounds for a legal claim.
Three main types of product defects can lead to liability:
- Manufacturing Defects – These occur when a product is improperly made, leading to a flaw that causes injury. An example would be a batch of tires with weak rubber, making them prone to blowouts.
- Design Defects – These inherent flaws in a product’s design make it unsafe, even if it is manufactured correctly. A common example is a vehicle with a high risk of rollovers.
- Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects) – This occurs when a product lacks proper warnings or instructions, leading to misuse and injury, such as a medication without adequate side effect warnings.
New Mexico’s Product Liability Laws
New Mexico holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable when their products cause harm. The state follows a strict liability standard, meaning an injured consumer does not need to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and directly caused their injury.
Additionally, New Mexico recognizes pure comparative negligence, allowing injured parties to recover damages even if they were partially at fault. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
Under New Mexico’s statute of limitations, victims must file a lawsuit within 3 years of the date of injury. Failing to meet this deadline can prevent them from seeking compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In a New Mexico product liability case, multiple parties in the supply chain may share responsibility for a defective product.
- Manufacturers – The company that designed or produced the defective product is often the primary defendant.
- Retailers – Stores that sell unsafe products in Santa Fe can be held liable, even if they were unaware of the defect.
- Distributors and wholesalers—Any business contributing to bringing the product to market may also be responsible.
Since liability can extend to multiple entities, investigating the source of the defect is crucial to building a strong legal claim.
Steps to Take If A Defective Product Injured You
If you’ve been harmed by a defective product in New Mexico, taking the right steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention – Prioritize your health and document your injuries.
- Preserve the Product – Keep the defective item, including packaging and instructions.
- Gather Documentation – Save receipts, purchase records, and any correspondence related to the product.
- Take Photos & Notes – Document the defect, your injuries, and the scene where the incident occurred.
- Consult an Attorney – A product liability lawyer can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
How Hunt Law Firm Can Help
Dealing with a serious injury from a defective product can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, you may be unable to work, and the stress of facing a large corporation or manufacturer can feel daunting. That’s where we come in.
At Hunt Law Firm, we have the experience and resources to handle complex product liability cases. We understand New Mexico’s strict liability laws and how to hold negligent companies accountable. You can depend on us to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. If a defective product has injured you or a loved one, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.