Boston Product Liability Lawyers
Powerful litigation for consumers injured by defective products
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Consumers rely on products every day—from equipment on job sites to the appliances in our homes. When we use these devices, we’re putting our trust in the manufacturer to produce products that are safe for their intended use. Unfortunately, sometimes the companies we buy from put our safety and well-being in jeopardy.
Whether it’s a faulty scaffold, a poorly designed industrial saw, or a mislabeled medical device, these products can cause catastrophic injuries or even death. When products fail, the resulting damage can be physical, emotional, financial, and deeply personal. At Santoro & Gray, we represent clients injured by defective products and hold powerful manufacturers accountable through strategic, aggressive litigation.
In one product liability case, Bradley Henry, while at a prior firm, obtained a $1.75 million settlement for a student pilot and their spouse when a defective fuel system on a plane led to an explosion and fire on landing, causing severe injuries.
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How Santoro & Gray can help you
- Types of product liability claims we handle in Boston
- Construction equipment and industrial machinery defects
- The three main types of product defects
- Who can be held liable in a defective product case in Boston?
- Massachusetts laws on product defect claims
- What to do if a defective product has injured you in Boston
- How Santoro & Gray builds product liability cases
- Why clients choose Santoro & Gray
- Do you have a product liability lawyer near me?
Types of product liability claims we handle in Boston
Product liability claims can arise from a tiny pill, a massive piece of construction equipment, and anything in between–with equally devastating results. We can handle product liability claims related to any of the following:
- Heavy construction machinery (pavers, lifts, cranes, power tools, etc.)
- Medical devices and implants (joint replacements, pacemakers, etc.)
- Consumer electronics (exploding batteries, electric shocks, fire hazards, etc.)
- Children’s products and toys (choking hazards, unsafe design, etc.)
- Pharmaceuticals and supplements (undisclosed side effects, contaminated batches, etc.)
- Car components and safety systems (airbags, tires, braking systems, etc.)
- Lawn and garden equipment (blade ejection, fuel line defects, etc.)
- Household appliances and cleaning products (chemical burns, gas leaks, etc.)
If you were injured by any of these products or a different device, you need to learn more about your rights by contacting a Boston product liability lawyer.
Construction equipment and industrial machinery defects
Boston’s job sites rely on powerful machinery. Unsurprisingly, when that machinery fails, the injuries are often devastating. We represent construction workers, subcontractors, and bystanders who suffer injuries because of defective construction equipment, including:
- Defective lifts and cranes that collapse or fail mid-operation
- Malfunctioning paving equipment that causes crush injuries or fires
- Exploding generators or compressors due to fuel system design flaws
- Lack of proper safety guards on power tools and cutting equipment
These cases are often complicated because they can involve multiple liable parties. For instance, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, rental companies, and site managers may share responsibility for the injuries, making the investigation and eventual litigation extremely challenging. Our lawyers are experienced in handling these claims in and around Boston.
The three main types of product defects
When it comes to defective products, there are three main categories of defects: design, manufacturing, and marketing (also referred to as failure to warn).
Design defects
In these cases, the product may be inherently dangerous, even when manufactured correctly. For instance, a crane with a design flaw that makes it possible for it to tip over, or a saw that lacks safety mechanisms, may fall into this category. Proving these cases often requires expert testimony and a detailed evaluation of safer possible alternatives. This is especially true when cases involve heavy machinery because there can be unavoidable risks associated with such equipment. For instance, a saw must be sharp. However, if there are reasonable ways to reduce the risks associated with such a tool, failing to design with those safety features in mind could result in liability.
Manufacturing defects
These occur when something goes wrong during the production process–even if the original design was sound. As a result, these are often limited to specific lots or serial numbers. An example might be a medication that is generally safe, but became contaminated during manufacturing, making it dangerous.
Failure to warn / Marketing defects
In these cases, the product may have lacked sufficient instructions or hazard warnings. For example, a cleaning product that can cause serious burns if used improperly should have clear warnings and instructions. Without clear warnings, it’s more likely that a person will misuse the product, resulting in injuries. Pharmaceutical and chemical injury claims may involve failure to warn or marketing defects.
Who can be held liable in a defective product case in Boston?
Liable parties in these cases may include the following:
- Manufacturers (global corporations, specialized component makers)
- Product designers or engineers (if design defects are to blame)
- Distributors and wholesalers (who put defective goods into the supply chain)
- Retailers or rental companies (especially for commercial equipment or vehicles)
- Service providers (repair contractors who modified the product unsafely)
Importantly, multiple parties may share liability under Massachusetts' laws. In fact, even when you share some liability, you may still be able to recover for your injuries.
Massachusetts laws on product defect claims
In Massachusetts, product liability claims involve one or more of the following types of claims:
- Strict liability: As we discussed above, manufacturers are strictly liable for any product defects that cause harm. The existence of the defect, the occurrence of an accident (such as an explosion or a failure to work properly), and the injuries are the key elements of the claim.
- A breach of an express or an implied warranty: For example, in Massachusetts, products generally come with an implied warranty of merchantability. There may also be express warranties as to how well the product will work and any other conditions set forth in writing.
- Negligence: Our Boston product liability lawyers work to show that the design, manufacture, or sale of the product failed to comply with industry standards or any federal or state safety standards.
One important law to remember for any product liability claim is the statute of limitations. In Massachusetts, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury or discovery of the defect to file a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, your case cannot proceed.
The state also recognizes failure to warn and Chapter 93A claims for deceptive commercial practices. If a Chapter 93A claim applies, you may be able to recover triple your actual damages.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t need to be the product’s purchaser to bring a claim—you just need to be a foreseeable user. For instance, if you are injured while borrowing your brother’s lawnmower because it was defective, you could still have a claim.
If you have any questions about the laws that might apply in your circumstances, speak to a Boston product liability attorney right away.
What to do if a defective product has injured you in Boston
If you’ve suffered an injury from a defective product, you need to seek medical care immediately. Once you’ve seen a doctor, there are a few other steps you should take to protect your claim.
- Preserve the product: If possible, keep the device in the exact condition it was in post-injury.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos, and include images of any warning labels or packaging.
- Save your medical records and receipts: Your medical records and receipts are critical evidence that demonstrate the extent of your injuries.
- Collect witness information: If anyone saw the product fail or the injury occur, get their contact information so that your lawyer can reach out to them later.
- Do not discard manuals, receipts, warranty documents, or shipping records: Save any information you have about the product, your purchase of it, or its origin.
Always consult an experienced Boston product liability lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner we can start to investigate, the better. Evidence can quickly become lost or altered. Also, insurers may start reaching out to you, and it’s better if your attorney can handle these communications for you. Remember that insurers will be working to keep their costs as low as possible. You’ll need someone to negotiate with them and potentially litigate the case in order to get fair compensation.
How Santoro & Gray builds product liability cases
At Santoro & Gray, we litigate product liability cases strategically and aggressively. Some steps we take include:
- Retaining industry-leading experts, including engineers, safety specialists, and forensic scientists.
- Examining internal company documents, product specs, and complaint histories.
- Analyzing warning labels, warranties, usage instructions, and compliance with safety standards.
- Questioning everyone who has relevant information.
- Working with your doctors or medical experts to understand the full scope and severity of your injuries. Preparing every product liability case as though it will go to trial (this careful preparation often forces early, meaningful settlements).
- Most importantly, we center your story—who you were before the injury, what changed, and what true justice looks like for you. This step is vital because it enables jurors to empathize with and genuinely feel for you and what you have been through.
Why clients choose Santoro & Gray
At Santoro & Gray, we handle catastrophic injury claims involving complex litigation. We’re trial lawyers–which means we’re not afraid to take on major corporations and other powerful organizations. When we meet with our clients, we’re empathetic and take the time to truly listen. In court, we’re fierce and relentless advocates, especially when cases involve trauma or long-term disability.
Our lawyers have experience fighting against multinational manufacturers and combating insurance defense tactics. We know how to tell your story in a way that compels juries and forces accountability. We’re proud of our track record, but even more proud of the meaningful support we’ve been able to provide our clients and their families.
Do you have a product liability lawyer near me?
Yes. We have offices located at 131 Dartmouth Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 35, Boston, MA 02116. Our lawyers serve clients across the Boston area—including construction workers, patients, and families affected by defective products. We’re available for in-person meetings, phone consultations, or video conferences.
Our lawyers are prepared to answer your questions and explain your rights.
Contact our Boston product liability lawyers today
If a defective product caused you life-changing injuries—or took the life of someone you love—you may have legal options. Let us investigate what went wrong, identify all liable parties, and fight for the justice you deserve. Call or fill out our contact form to contact Santoro & Gray for a free case review. We’re here to listen to you, and to fight for your future.