Florida Product Liability Work Injury Claims

Workplace injuries can be devastating, and while many employees assume workers’ compensation is the only avenue for recovery, there are times when a defective product is to blame. From malfunctioning machinery to faulty safety equipment, product-related workplace injuries are more common than many realize. When a defective product contributes to a workplace accident, injured workers may have the right to pursue a product liability claim in addition to workers’ compensation.

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin has experience handling product liability cases in Florida, including claims involving workplace injuries. If you were hurt on the job and believe a defective product played a role, our team may be able to help you explore your legal options.

Understanding Product Liability in the Workplace

Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable when unsafe products cause injury. In a workplace context, product liability claims may arise when:

• Heavy machinery malfunctions due to a design flaw
• Safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, or gloves fail when needed most
• Tools lack proper safety guards, leading to lacerations or amputations
• Products explode and cause burn injury
• Electrical equipment sparks, causing shocks or fires
• Industrial equipment has defective sensors that don’t shut down during danger

Unlike workers’ compensation, which is a no-fault system, product liability cases require proving the product was defective and caused harm. However, they may allow injured workers to recover damages not typically available under workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering.

Common Product Liability Work Injury Scenarios in Florida

Florida workplaces range from construction sites to factories, warehouses, hospitals, and office environments. Defective products can cause injuries in any setting. Common scenarios include:

• Construction equipment failures – Cranes, lifts, and forklifts that tip over due to design flaws.
• Defective safety harnesses – Falls from heights when straps or buckles give way.
• Machine guarding failures – Industrial presses or saws lacking proper safety shields.
• Exploding batteries – Lithium-ion battery packs in tools or safety lights catching fire.
• Protective gear malfunctions – Helmets or gloves that do not meet promised protection standards.
• Coffee Maker and Pressure Cooker explosions – Defective coffee makers and pressure cookers can explode hot liquids onto users.
• Electrical tools – Shock injuries from power tools with faulty wiring.

In many of these cases, the worker may receive workers’ compensation but can still pursue a separate lawsuit against the product manufacturer for additional damages.

Types of Defects in Product Liability Cases

Florida law generally recognizes three main categories of product defects:

1. Design Defects – The product was inherently dangerous due to its design, even when used correctly.
2. Manufacturing Defects – The product was safe in design, but something went wrong in the manufacturing process.
3. Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects) – The product lacked proper warnings or instructions, making it unsafe for users.

A thorough investigation may be necessary to determine which type of defect contributed to the workplace injury.

The Role of Workers’ Compensation vs. Product Liability

Many workers assume workers’ compensation is the only available remedy for workplace injuries. While workers’ compensation can cover medical bills and lost wages, it generally does not cover:

• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Full future loss of earning capacity in some cases

That’s where product liability claims may come in. By pursuing a claim against the manufacturer of a defective product, injured workers may be able to recover additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides.

Potential Damages in Product Liability Work Injury Cases

Depending on the circumstances, damages in a Florida product liability case may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• In wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of support for surviving family members

Examples of Florida Product Liability Work Injury Claims

While every case is unique, some illustrative scenarios include:

• A construction worker using a nail gun that fires unexpectedly due to a trigger defect.
• A warehouse worker injured by a forklift with a faulty braking system.
• A healthcare worker exposed to chemicals after a protective mask failed to filter properly.
• An office employee burned by a defective lithium-ion laptop battery.

These types of injuries may not be solely covered under workers’ compensation if a product defect contributed.

How an Attorney May Help

A product liability work injury case often requires extensive investigation and resources. A Florida product liability attorney may:

• Review accident reports and witness statements
• Work with engineers or product safety experts to identify defects
• Preserve defective equipment for testing
• Analyze whether the product had a design, manufacturing, or warning defect
• File lawsuits against responsible manufacturers, distributors, or suppliers
• Coordinate with workers’ compensation benefits to maximize recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pursue a product liability claim if I already received workers’ compensation?
Yes. Workers’ comp covers employer liability, but manufacturers and sellers of defective products may still be held responsible.

What if I misused the product?
You may still have a claim if the misuse was foreseeable or if warnings and instructions were inadequate.

Do I have to prove negligence?
Product liability is often based on strict liability, meaning you may not have to prove negligence — only that the product was defective and caused injury.

What if my employer provided the defective equipment?
Your employer may be protected by workers’ comp immunity, but the manufacturer or distributor of the product can still be liable.

What if the product was old?
Even older products may give rise to claims if they were defective when sold or if they lacked proper warnings.

Contact a Florida Product Liability Attorney

If you were injured at work in Florida due to a defective product, you may have legal options beyond workers’ compensation. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin has experience handling product liability cases across the state. Our firm represents workers and families in claims against manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of unsafe products.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees or costs unless we recover money for you.

📞 Call 800-337-7755 today or start a live chat at jasonturchin.com to learn more about your rights.