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Florida Product Liability Lawyer
When you buy a product, you expect it to be safe. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a legal duty to ensure the products they sell will not injure consumers when used as intended. When that duty is breached, and a defective product causes injury, you have the right to hold them accountable.
At Florida Advocates, we pursue product liability claims against manufacturers and sellers of dangerous products. Whether the defect is in design, manufacturing, or warnings, we build cases that document the failure and pursue full compensation for your injuries.
Types of Product Defects
Design defects
The product is inherently dangerous because of its design. Every unit produced has the same flaw. Even if manufactured perfectly according to specifications, the design itself is unsafe.
Manufacturing defects
The product design is safe, but something went wrong during production. A specific unit or batch is defective while others are not.
Marketing defects (failure to warn)
The product lacks adequate warnings or instructions about potential dangers. Consumers are not properly informed of risks associated with foreseeable use.
Common Product Liability Cases
Defective vehicles
Faulty brakes, steering systems, airbags (including Takata airbag recalls), fuel systems, tires, and seat belts.
Defective medical devices
Hip replacements, knee implants, pacemakers, surgical mesh, and other implanted devices that fail or cause injury.
Dangerous consumer products
Defective appliances, power tools, children’s products, furniture, and household items.
Defective safety equipment
Helmets, car seats, smoke detectors, and protective gear that fail to perform as expected.
Defective electronics
Batteries that explode or catch fire, electrical devices that overheat, and shock hazards.
Strict Liability in Florida
Florida product liability cases may be brought under strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty theories. Under strict liability, you do not need to prove the manufacturer was careless. You need only prove that the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous, the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control, and the defect caused your injury.
This allows injured consumers to recover even when the manufacturing process appeared reasonable, because the focus is on the product’s condition, not the manufacturer’s conduct.
Proving a Product Liability Case
Product liability cases require extensive investigation and expert analysis. Key elements include preserving the defective product (do not discard, repair, or allow the manufacturer to take it without documentation), documenting your injuries and their connection to the product, analyzing the product to identify the specific defect, researching similar complaints, recalls, and prior incidents, and retaining engineering and medical experts to support your case.
Statute of Limitations and Repose
In Florida, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally four years from the date of injury. However, Florida also has a statute of repose that bars claims brought more than 12 years after the product was first sold, regardless of when the injury occurred.
There are exceptions for products with longer expected useful lives and certain other circumstances. Contact us promptly to ensure your rights are preserved.
Why Carlos D. Cabrera for Product Liability Cases
Product liability cases are complex and require careful documentation of the defect and its connection to your injuries. Insurance companies and manufacturers often fight these claims aggressively.
Carlos D. Cabrera’s background as insurance defense counsel gives him insight into how claims are evaluated and challenged. We work with engineering experts, medical specialists, and industry professionals to build cases that hold manufacturers accountable.
CARLOS D. CABRERA
Carlos D. Cabrera leads the Personal Injury Department at Florida Advocates. Before representing injury victims, he spent years defending insurance companies as defense counsel. 24+ years insurance litigation experience.
Education
- J.D. — St. Thomas University College of Law (2000)
- Managing Editor, St. Thomas Law Review
- B.A. English — Florida International University (1994)
Bar Admissions
- The Florida Bar
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
Credentials & Recognitions
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
- Florida Legal Elite Recognition
- Lead Counsel Verified (Appellate, since 2015)
- Former Insurance Defense Counsel
Learn more about Carlos D. Cabrera →
FAQ
What should I do if I am injured by a defective product?
Preserve the product exactly as it was when the injury occurred. Take photos. Keep packaging and instructions. Seek medical attention. Contact an attorney before allowing the manufacturer to inspect or take the product.
Can I sue if I misused the product?
It depends on whether the misuse was foreseeable. Manufacturers must design products to account for reasonably foreseeable misuse. If your use was foreseeable, you may still have a claim.
Who can be held liable for a defective product?
The manufacturer, distributor, retailer, and sometimes component part manufacturers can all be held liable depending on where in the chain the defect occurred.
How long do I have to file a product liability claim?
Generally four years from the date of injury, but Florida’s 12-year statute of repose may apply. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis:
- Free consultation — no cost to speak with us
- No upfront fees — we advance all case costs
- No attorney fees unless we recover for you
You will never receive a bill from us while your case is active.
Florida Advocates Office Locations
Dania Beach (Broward County) — Headquarters
45 E Sheridan Street Dania Beach, FL 33004
North Miami (Miami-Dade County)
13499 Biscayne Blvd #107 North Miami, FL 33181
Tampa (Hillsborough County)
238 E Davis Blvd #210 Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 754-290-3803
Email: info@fladvocates.com
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Available by phone 24/7 for emergencies
Contact a Florida Product Liability Lawyer
If you have been injured by a defective product, contact Florida Advocates today — and do not discard, repair, or return the product under any circumstances. Preserving the defective item is critical to your case. Florida’s four-year statute of limitations and the 12-year statute of repose mean your window to recover can close faster than you expect. The sooner we can secure the product, engage engineering experts, and investigate prior complaints or recalls, the stronger your case will be.
Call: 754-290-3803
Email: info@fladvocates.com
Call us for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover for you. After all, isn’t that what family would do?
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Fill out the contact form or call us at 754-290-3803 to schedule your free consultation.
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No Fees Unless You Win