Table of Contents

• How Much Is My Product Liability Case Worth?
• Where Do Product Liability Accidents Occur in Cape Girardeau?
• Fighting the Insurance Company
• What to Do After a Product Liability Accident
• Contact Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz Today About Your Spinal Cord Injury

Why Choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz?

At Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, we provide legal representation backed by a century of collective trial experience. Our accomplished team has successfully secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

Experience and Resources

Our firm backs you and your case with the comprehensive knowledge, experience, and substantial resources needed to pursue the compensation you deserve. Our team of Cape Girardeau personal injury attorneys is equipped to handle the toughest cases. Don’t try to handle your claim alone. Let us back you with the same hard work and determination that have made us a trusted name in SEMO personal injury law.

Guaranteed No-Fee Unless We Win

Finances should never be a barrier to seeking justice. At Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, we stand firmly by this principle and provide our legal representation on a contingency fee basis. This no-fee guarantee means you won’t pay any up-front costs or out-of-pocket expenses unless we secure a favorable outcome for you.

Our contingency fee approach underscores our dedication to your case’s success and ensures that you can pursue justice regardless of your financial situation.

Success Track Record

We have a long and proven history of obtaining life-changing settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our proven ability to secure favorable outcomes for our clients is a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice.

Client-Centric Approach

Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz takes a client-centric approach to every case we handle. We prioritize transparency, clear communication, understanding your unique needs, and tailoring our strategies to achieve the best possible results for you.

Our recent successes on behalf of our clients include:

• $20 million verdict in wrongful death case after a train collision
• $17 million verdict in a personal injury case
• $2.5 million Settlement for a wrongful death electrocution case
• $2 million settlement for an auto injury case
• $1.8 million settlement for an auto accident/wrongful death case
• $1.7 million verdict for an auto injury case involving a police car
• $1.5 million settlement for an auto injury crash case
• $1.25 million settlement for an auto injury case
• $1.1 million settlement for a product liability and road design defect case
• $950,000 settlement for a medical negligence/wrongful death case
• $776,000 settlement for medical negligence against the Veterans Administration
• $600,000 settlement for an auto injury case
• $4 million verdict in an industrial explosion case
• $2.3 million verdict in a chemical exposure case
• $3.55 million settlement in an industrial brain injury case

Our Cape Girardeau office is conveniently located off Kingshighway Street, just east of the Cape Woods Conservation Area near Blues Highway 61.

1610 North Kingshighway

Suite 201

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

How Much Is My Product Liability Case Worth?

Determining the worth of a product liability case involves various factors, such as:

• Injuries and Damages: The severity of injuries and resulting damages plays a significant role in your claim’s value. Medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related costs are all considerations.
• Liability: Establishing the liability of the product manufacturer, distributor, or retailer is crucial. Proving that negligence led to a defect strengthens the case.
• Product Defect Type: There are three main types of product defects: design, manufacturing, and marketing defects (such as inadequate warnings or instructions). The type of defect can impact the case’s value.
• Evidence: The strength of the evidence supporting your claim is critical. This includes medical records, product documentation, witness statements, and any other relevant evidence.
• Insurance Coverage: The defendant’s insurance coverage and financial resources also play a role in the amount of damages you can claim. If the responsible party has substantial insurance or assets, it may increase the potential recovery.
• Legal Representation: The quality and experience of your legal representation can affect the outcome. Skilled attorneys may negotiate a higher settlement or succeed in court.
• Jurisdiction: The laws and legal climate in the jurisdiction where the case takes place can influence the outcome.

Settlements and awards in product liability cases can vary widely. Consult a qualified Cape Girardeau product liability lawyer at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz to get an accurate assessment of your case. We can review the facts, evaluate the strength of your case, and provide guidance on potential damages.

Where Do Product Liability Accidents Occur in Cape Girardeau?

Product liability accidents can happen nearly anywhere. However, the most common places are at home, in the workplace, on the road, in medical centers or hospitals, and even in retail establishments like West Park Mall and other local shopping centers.

Types of Defective Product Injuries

Physical injuries resulting from defective products vary widely depending on the nature of the product malfunction and the specific defect.

Physical injuries that may occur due to defective products include:

• Burns and Scalds: Defective electronic devices, appliances, or machinery may cause fires or overheating, resulting in burns or scalds to users.
• Lacerations and Cuts: Poorly designed or manufactured products, such as kitchen appliances or power tools, may have sharp edges or defective components that can cause lacerations and cuts.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Defective equipment, furniture, or sports gear may lead to accidents, causing fractures and broken bones.
• Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Defective helmets, car seats, or safety gear may fail to provide adequate protection, resulting in head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Crush Injuries: Poorly designed machinery or equipment may pose a risk of crushing injuries to users, particularly in industrial settings.
• Electrocution: Defective electrical products, wiring, or appliances may cause electric shocks and electrocution.
• Chemical Burns or Poisoning: Defective containers or packaging of chemicals, cleaning products, or pharmaceuticals may lead to chemical burns or poisoning.
• Amputations: Machinery with design or manufacturing defects may pose a risk of amputation if safety features are inadequate.
• Sprains and Strains: Faulty ergonomic design in tools, equipment, or furniture may contribute to repetitive strain injuries, sprains, or strains.
• Eye Injuries: Defective safety equipment, such as goggles or protective shields, may fail to protect the eyes from potential hazards.

The severity of injuries can vary. In some cases, defective products may lead to long-term or permanent disabilities. If you sustained physical injuries due to a defective product, consult our Cape Girardeau product liability attorneys. We can assess the specifics of your case, help determine liability, and guide you through the legal process to seek compensation for your injuries.

Fighting the Insurance Company

Fighting an insurance company alone as an injured party can be challenging for several reasons:

• Legal Complexity: Insurance law and the legal aspects of personal injury cases can be complex. Without legal skills, injured parties may struggle to understand the ins and outs of relevant statutes, regulations, and case law that apply to their situation.
• Negotiation Tactics: Insurance companies have experience in handling claims and often employ skilled adjusters and attorneys to protect their interests. These professionals have training in negotiation tactics, and individuals without legal representation may find it challenging to navigate these negotiations effectively.
• Limited Resources: Insurance companies typically have significant resources at their disposal, including teams of lawyers, investigators, and case experts. Individuals may lack the resources to match the level of skills and support that insurance companies can bring to the table.
• Time and Energy: Pursuing a personal injury claim requires a significant investment of time and energy. Managing the legal aspects of a case while recovering from injuries can be overwhelming for individuals without legal representation.
• Legal Procedures: Navigating the legal system involves adherence to specific procedures and deadlines. Failure to comply with these requirements can jeopardize a case. Lawyers understand and follow these procedures, ensuring their clients’ cases proceed smoothly.
• Pressure to Settle Quickly: Insurance companies may try to settle quickly, offering a low settlement amount before the full extent of injuries and damages is known. Individuals without legal representation may be more susceptible to accepting inadequate settlements due to financial pressure or lack of understanding of the claim’s value.
• Courtroom Experience: If a case proceeds to litigation, individuals may need to present it in court. Lack of familiarity with courtroom procedures and legal protocols can put them at a disadvantage.

Given these challenges, seeking legal representation is strongly advisable for those pursuing a defective product injury claim against an insurance company. An experienced attorney can provide guidance, advocate for the injured party’s rights, and work to secure fair compensation for their damages.

What to Do After a Product Liability Accident

Experiencing injuries in a product liability incident can be a life-altering event. In the aftermath, taking specific actions to safeguard your well-being and strengthen your legal case is imperative.

Follow these key steps:

• Continue to Adhere to Medical Treatment Plans: Follow the medical treatment plans prescribed by your healthcare team. Consistently attending appointments, undergoing recommended procedures, and taking prescribed medications support your recovery and establish a comprehensive medical record. This record serves as critical evidence to reinforce your product liability claim.
• Keep Records and Documentation: Document every expense related to your injuries and recovery process. This includes medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation expenses, and any other out-of-pocket costs incurred due to the product-related incident. These records serve as tangible evidence illustrating the financial impact of the incident on your life.
• Maintain a Journal: Keeping a detailed journal is invaluable for documenting the physical, emotional, and mental repercussions of the product liability incident. Record information such as pain levels, emotional struggles, and how your injuries have affected your daily life. This personal account provides compelling evidence of your pain and suffering.

Remember, thorough documentation can significantly influence the outcome of your case by providing essential evidence to support your claims and strengthen your position during negotiations or litigation.

Bring your documentation to our Missouri lawyers at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz so we can leverage it to your advantage and maximize your compensation

Contact Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz Today About Your Product Liability Injury

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury due to a product you trusted, our team of dedicated Cape Girardeau product liability lawyers are here to help.

Don’t take on a major corporation or its insurance company by yourself. We aren’t afraid to level the playing field and stand up to large, powerful companies to obtain the compensation you deserve. Let us put our combined century of experience to work for you.

Contact us today at (573) 335-6651 or online to schedule your no-obligation case consultation. Our skilled legal team of Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz fights for people like you every day, and we’re here to support you.

Testimonial:

I had never worked with lawyers, and at first I was scared, not knowing what to expect. When I first met with Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, I immediately breathed a sigh of relief. I’m a shy person, and they gave me confidence to speak out. The experience was very good. If you are in a similar situation, I highly recommend them. They’ll take care of everything. – Laura A.