Plaintiff-focused defective product lawyers preparing every case with the attention it requires.
If you have been injured by a defective product in Houston, an attorney experienced in product liability litigation can help you pursue compensation from the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer responsible for placing the dangerous product in the market. Product liability cases involve technical evidence, corporate defendants, and legal theories that differ from standard negligence claims.
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers represents defective product victims on the plaintiff side throughout Texas. Our attorneys bring more than two decades of combined trial experience to catastrophic injury litigation and handle product liability cases on a contingency fee basis. If you need a Houston, TX defective product lawyer, contact our firm for a free consultation.
Defective Product Lawyer Houston, TX
A defective product lawyer represents individuals and families who have been harmed by products that were dangerous when they left the manufacturer’s control. Texas product liability law allows injured consumers to hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable under strict liability principles, which means the injured person does not always need to prove traditional negligence. Instead, the focus is on whether the product was defective and whether that defect caused the injury.
Product liability claims apply to virtually every category of consumer and industrial goods. A defective automobile component that causes a crash. A medical device that fails inside a patient’s body. Industrial equipment with a missing safety guard. A household appliance that catches fire. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 15.1 million people were treated in emergency departments for consumer product injuries in 2024, an 18 percent increase over the prior year. Houston’s large consumer market and industrial economy mean the city generates a significant volume of product liability claims each year.
Types of Defective Product Cases We Handle in Houston
Product defects can appear in nearly any manufactured good. The type of product, the nature of the defect, and the severity of the injury all shape the legal strategy. Some cases involve a single defective unit. Others involve an entire product line with a systemic design flaw.
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we handle defective product cases including the following:
- Defective vehicles and auto parts. Faulty brakes, defective tires, malfunctioning airbags, and flawed steering or acceleration systems cause car accidents and truck collisions that would not have occurred but for the defect. Vehicle manufacturers and parts suppliers can be held liable alongside the at-fault driver.
- Defective medical devices. Implanted devices such as hip replacements, pacemakers, surgical mesh, and spinal hardware can fail inside the patient’s body, causing infection, organ damage, and the need for revision surgery. These cases require both medical and engineering analysis.
- Dangerous pharmaceutical products. Medications that cause undisclosed side effects, contaminated drugs, and improperly labeled dosage instructions create liability for the manufacturer. The FDA recall database tracks drugs and devices that have been pulled from the market.
- Defective industrial equipment. Machinery with missing guards, faulty interlocks, or inadequate warnings causes crush injuries, amputations, and burn injuries on industrial job sites and oilfield operations across Houston. The manufacturer and the employer may both bear responsibility.
- Defective consumer products. Power tools, household appliances, electronics, furniture, and recreational equipment that malfunction or contain hidden hazards can cause injuries ranging from lacerations and burns to electrocution and traumatic brain injuries.
- Defective children’s products. Cribs, car seats, toys, and children’s furniture that fail to meet safety standards pose risks to the most vulnerable consumers. The CPSC tracks recalls involving children’s products and publishes safety alerts.
- Wrongful death. When a defective product causes a death, Texas law allows the surviving spouse, children, and parents to file wrongful death claims against the manufacturer and other parties in the chain of distribution.
Why Choose Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers as My Defective Product Lawyer in Houston, TX?
Proven Results Against Corporate Manufacturers
Product liability cases pit injured individuals against corporations with substantial legal budgets and teams of retained engineers and scientists. Winning requires attorneys who can match that preparation.
Matt Greenberg has served as lead trial counsel in cases that produced record-setting verdicts and settlements in catastrophic injury litigation, including product liability matters. He earned his J.D. from Baylor Law School, is licensed in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and the National Trial Lawyers.
Mike Streich graduated cum laude from the UH Law Center and spent nearly a decade defending corporations and insurance syndicates in catastrophic injury and death cases. That defense background gives him direct knowledge of how manufacturers and their insurers respond to product liability claims. He has been named a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers in multiple years.
Together, our attorneys have recovered over $375 million for injured clients, including a $17 million defective products recovery. As your personal injury lawyer in Houston, our firm handles every product liability case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we obtain a recovery.
What Is Important to Understand About a Defective Product Case?
Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Defective Product Cases
Product liability cases in Texas can proceed under strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty theories. Strict liability is the most common path because it focuses on the product rather than the manufacturer’s conduct. Under strict liability, the injured person must prove that the product was defective, that the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control, and that the defect caused the injury.
Injured plaintiffs may recover:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and projected future care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Disfigurement and permanent impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities
Liability in product cases can extend through the entire chain of distribution. The manufacturer, the component supplier, the distributor, and the retailer may each be held responsible. Texas comparative negligence still applies. If the injured person misused the product in a way that contributed to the injury, their recovery is reduced proportionally.
What Are Important Aspects of a Defective Product Case?
Product liability claims involve evidentiary and technical challenges that require early attention.
- The product itself is the most important piece of evidence. If you still have the product that caused the injury, do not discard, repair, or alter it. Your attorney needs the product in the condition it was in when the injury occurred. Taking protective steps immediately after the injury, including securing the product and documenting medical treatment, strengthens the evidentiary record.
- Technical analysis is required. Product liability cases rely on testimony from engineers, metallurgists, toxicologists, and other technical professionals who can identify the specific defect and explain how it caused the injury. Retaining qualified professionals early strengthens the case.
- Corporate defendants have resources. Manufacturers retain teams of in-house engineers and defense professionals whose job is to argue that the product was safe and that the user caused the injury through misuse or modification. Your attorney must be prepared to counter that narrative with independent analysis.
- Recall history matters. If the product was subject to a CPSC recall or NHTSA safety recall, that history can support the claim that the manufacturer knew or should have known about the defect.
What Is the Defective Product Case Timeline?
Product liability cases tend to move more slowly than standard personal injury claims because the technical investigation takes time.
- Investigation begins immediately. The attorney secures and preserves the defective product, collects purchase records, and identifies the manufacturer and other parties in the chain of distribution.
- Medical treatment continues until the injured person’s condition stabilizes. For serious injuries involving amputations, burns, or organ damage, this phase may last a year or longer.
- Technical analysis is commissioned. Engineers inspect the product, review design specifications, and identify the specific defect. This phase can take several months depending on the complexity of the product.
- The firm prepares a demand and enters negotiations with the manufacturer’s insurer or legal team.
- If fair terms are not offered, suit is filed. Product liability cases in Harris County generally take two to four years from filing to resolution due to the complexity of the technical evidence and the number of parties involved.
What Should You Bring to Your Defective Product Consultation?
The more documentation you can provide at the consultation, the faster the attorneys can evaluate the claim. You may not have all of these items at this stage. Bring whatever documentation is available:
- The defective product itself, if you still have it, or photographs showing the product, the defect, and the circumstances of the injury
- Purchase receipts, warranty information, or proof of purchase
- Medical records and bills from treatment so far
- Any correspondence from the manufacturer, retailer, or their insurer
- Recall notices or safety alerts related to the product
During the consultation, we review the evidence, explain how Texas product liability law applies, and provide a direct assessment of the claim. There is no charge for this meeting.
What Are Important Texas Legal Resources for Defective Product Cases?
Texas product liability law is governed by the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The following resources help injured individuals and their families understand the statutes that apply.
- The statute of limitations for product liability claims in Texas is two years from the date of injury under Chapter 16 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Texas also applies a statute of repose that may limit claims against manufacturers after a certain period following the product’s sale.
- Texas strict liability law allows injured consumers to hold manufacturers and sellers accountable for defective products without proving traditional negligence.
- Texas comparative negligence reduces recovery when the injured person’s own conduct, such as product misuse or modification, contributed to the injury. Recovery is barred if the plaintiff’s fault exceeds 50 percent.
- The Texas Legislature website provides access to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
- Our firm monitors Texas legal changes that may affect product liability claims and manufacturer accountability.
Reach Out to Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Consultation
If you or a family member has been injured by a defective product in Houston, TX, our attorneys are available for a free and confidential case review. We handle product liability cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Contact us to schedule a consultation at a time that works for you.
Defective Product Statistics in Houston
Consumer product injuries represent a significant and growing public health concern in the United States. According to the National Safety Council’s analysis of CPSC data, 15.1 million people were treated in emergency departments for consumer product injuries in 2024, an 18.2 percent increase over 2023. Product liability cases carry the second-highest median damage awards of any personal injury category, reflecting the severity of the injuries these products cause.
Houston’s industrial economy adds a layer of product liability exposure that most cities do not share. Defective industrial equipment, oilfield machinery, and petrochemical processing components cause injuries at refinery and plant facilities across the Ship Channel corridor. When a product defect contributes to an industrial injury, the manufacturer may share liability alongside the employer and the site operator.
Types of Product Defects That Lead to Injury Claims
Product liability law recognizes three categories of defects, and understanding which category applies to your case is the first step in building a claim. The category determines what evidence is needed and which legal theory applies.
1. Design defects. A design defect exists when the product’s design is inherently dangerous, even when manufactured correctly. Every unit that leaves the factory carries the same flaw. The question in a design defect case is whether a safer alternative design was available and whether the manufacturer should have used it. Common examples include vehicles with a high center of gravity that makes them prone to rollovers, power tools without adequate blade guards, and children’s products with small parts that present choking hazards.
2. Manufacturing defects. A manufacturing defect occurs when the product’s design is adequate but something goes wrong during production. The defect may affect a single unit, a batch, or a production run. Contaminated pharmaceuticals, a tire with an air pocket in the rubber, or a medical device assembled with the wrong component are examples of manufacturing defects.
3. Marketing defects (failure to warn). A product that is designed and manufactured correctly may still be defective if it lacks adequate warnings or instructions. A medication that does not disclose known side effects, a household chemical that does not warn about toxic fumes when combined with other products, or industrial equipment that omits safety procedures from its manual can all form the basis of a failure-to-warn claim.
4. Breach of warranty. If the manufacturer made express or implied promises about the product’s safety or performance, and the product failed to meet those promises, a breach of warranty claim may be available. This legal theory operates separately from strict liability and negligence.
5. Multiple defect types in one case. Many product liability claims involve more than one category of defect. A vehicle may have both a design defect that makes it prone to fire after a collision and a marketing defect in the form of inadequate warnings about the fire risk. Identifying all applicable defect categories strengthens the case.
Houston Defective Product Lawyer FAQs
What is strict liability in a product defect case?
Strict liability means you do not need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. Instead, you must prove that the product was defective, that the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control, and that the defect caused your injury. This standard applies to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in the chain of distribution.
Who can be held liable for a defective product?
The manufacturer, the component supplier, the distributor, the wholesaler, and the retailer can all be held liable under Texas law. Liability extends through the entire chain of distribution. Your attorney’s investigation determines which parties are responsible and which carry insurance or assets to satisfy a judgment.
How long do I have to file a defective product claim in Texas?
Two years from the date of injury. Texas also has a statute of repose that may limit certain claims based on the age of the product. Consulting an attorney promptly protects your ability to file within the applicable deadlines.
What should I do with the defective product after the injury?
Preserve it. Do not repair, discard, throw away, or return it to the manufacturer. The product in its post-injury condition is the most important piece of physical evidence in the case. Store it safely and give your attorney access to inspect it.
Do I need a technical witness for a product liability case?
In most cases, yes. Engineers, metallurgists, and other technical professionals provide the analysis that identifies the specific defect and explains how it caused the injury. Professional testimony is typically required to establish that a safer alternative design or adequate warnings were available.
Can I file a claim if the product has been recalled?
Yes. A recall does not prevent you from filing a product liability claim. In fact, a recall supports the claim by demonstrating that the manufacturer acknowledged a safety problem with the product.
What types of injuries are common in defective product cases?
Burns, lacerations, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, and scarring are among the most common. The specific injury depends on the type of product and the nature of the defect. Many defective product injuries are permanent and require long-term medical treatment.
How much is a defective product case worth?
It depends on the severity of the injuries, the type of defect, the number of defendants, and the available evidence. Product liability cases tend to carry higher values than many other personal injury categories because the injuries are often severe and the defendants typically carry substantial insurance.
What if I modified the product before the injury?
The manufacturer will almost certainly argue that your modification caused or contributed to the injury. Texas comparative negligence allows the jury to assign a percentage of fault to you for any modification. However, a modification does not automatically bar the claim if the underlying defect also contributed to the injury.
Do I need a lawyer for a defective product case?
Product liability cases require specialized technical analysis, corporate litigation experience, and the ability to take on manufacturers with dedicated legal teams. A consultation with an attorney experienced in product liability can help you evaluate whether the defect, the injuries, and the evidence support a viable claim.
Local Information for Houston Defective Product Cases
Where Defective Product Injuries Are Most Common in Houston
Product defect injuries in Houston occur across consumer, industrial, and commercial settings.
- Industrial facilities along the Houston Ship Channel use heavy machinery, processing equipment, and chemical handling systems that can cause catastrophic injury when a component is defective or a safety feature fails.
- Construction sites across the metropolitan area use power tools, scaffolding systems, fall protection equipment, and lifting devices from a wide range of manufacturers. Equipment defects on construction sites contribute to falls, crush injuries, and amputations.
- Residential properties and commercial businesses are where consumer product injuries most commonly occur. Kitchen appliances, electronics, furniture, and children’s products that malfunction or contain hidden defects injure Houston residents in their own homes.
- Highways and roadways are where defective vehicle components, including tires, brakes, and airbags, cause or worsen collisions that would otherwise be survivable. Motorcycle helmets and other protective gear that fail to perform as designed also fall into this category.
What Are Important Local Resources for Houston Defective Product Cases?
Individuals injured by defective products in Houston may need to contact the following agencies and facilities. These are listed for reference purposes only.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission for product recalls and safety reports
- Memorial Hermann, a Level I trauma center for critical injuries: (713) 704-4000
- Harris Health System (Ben Taub Hospital), a Level I trauma center serving Harris County: (713) 873-2000
- Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division for reporting unsafe products
Listing these resources does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers.
About Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers is a Houston-based injury law firm focused on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across Texas, including product liability matters involving defective industrial and consumer products. Matt Greenberg holds the largest recorded personal injury settlement in Tarrant County and the largest recorded personal injury verdict in Montgomery County. Mike Streich is a member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association.
What Our Clients Say
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“I can’t say enough about how incredible Matt and Mike were throughout my entire case. From day one, they were professional, attentive, and truly invested in fighting for me. They didn’t just show up-they showed out. Their knowledge, confidence, and strategy were clear every step of the way, and because of their hard work, we won.”
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Contact Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Defective product cases require specialized technical analysis, corporate litigation experience, and the ability to take on manufacturers with dedicated legal departments. At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we provide free consultations for Houston product liability cases. Our contingency fee structure means no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us to schedule your free case review with a Houston, TX defective product attorney.
