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Product Liability Attorney in Indianapolis, IN

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers all have a responsibility to make sure the products they put into the marketplace are reasonably safe, and when a defective product causes injury, the people harmed have a right to pursue those responsible. Product liability cases cover injuries caused by defective vehicles, appliances, tools, machinery, children’s products, and other consumer goods, including cases involving design defects, manufacturing defects, and inadequate warnings.

Indiana’s Product Liability Act governs these claims and recognizes three main theories of liability, a design defect, meaning the product was inherently dangerous even when made correctly, a manufacturing defect, meaning something went wrong in how a specific product was made compared to its intended design, and a failure to warn, meaning the product lacked adequate instructions or warnings about a known danger. Indiana generally requires a product liability claim to be filed within two years of when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered, subject to an overall ten year statute of repose measured from when the product was first delivered to its initial user, with an exception that allows two additional years to file if the injury occurs between the eighth and tenth year after delivery. Product liability claims can also involve federal regulatory standards, recall history, and industry safety codes, all of which can become important evidence depending on the type of product involved.

At RileyCate, we investigate defective product claims by working with engineering and safety experts to establish exactly how and why a product failed. We handle claims against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers involving a wide range of defective products, from vehicles and machinery to household goods and children’s products.

Product liability cases often involve technical evidence and well-resourced corporate defendants, which is exactly the kind of case that calls for trial-tested litigation experience. Will Riley and Russell Cate lead our product liability team. Russell Cate is recognized as a Super Lawyer, and his civil litigation background, including product liability experience, along with his appellate work before the Indiana Court of Appeals and the Indiana Supreme Court, gives our clients real depth in this area. Will Riley’s Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and AV Preeminent recognition reflects that same trial-tested approach.

Every matter we take on is personally overseen by Will and Russell, who staff it with the attorneys, associates, and staff it calls for based on its size and complexity, so your claim gets the depth of attention it requires.

Why Choose Us

Nobody plans to need a lawyer. When something goes wrong, what you need first is someone who will listen, tell you honestly where you stand, and take the next steps off your plate. That is how every case at RileyCate, LLC begins.

We represent individuals, families, and small businesses across Fishers, Indianapolis, and surrounding counties in personal injury and complex litigation, business and real estate disputes, criminal defense, and appeals.

Will Riley and Russell Cate personally oversee every matter, staffing each case to its size and complexity. Both are recognized as Super Lawyers and have argued before the Indiana Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Will also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer designation.

We are trial-tested, not just settlement-focused. We have tried hundreds of cases, because insurance companies, opposing businesses, and prosecutors negotiate differently with a firm willing to go the distance.

About RileyCate

Indiana law generally recognizes three types of product liability claims, a design defect, where the product itself is dangerous even when manufactured correctly, a manufacturing defect, where an individual product deviated from its intended design during production, and a failure to warn, where the product lacked adequate warnings or instructions about a known risk. Identifying which theory, or theories, applies to your situation is one of the first steps in building a claim. An attorney can help evaluate which category fits the facts of your case.
Depending on where the defect originated, liability can extend to the manufacturer, a component part maker, a distributor, or in some cases the retailer that sold the product. Multiple parties in the supply chain can potentially share responsibility. An attorney can help identify every party who may be liable for your injury.
Not necessarily. Indiana’s Product Liability Act allows claims based on strict liability for certain defect theories, meaning you may not need to prove the manufacturer was careless, only that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injury. This can make product liability claims somewhat different from a typical negligence case. An attorney can explain which legal theory applies to your specific claim.
A recall can be helpful evidence, since it often shows the manufacturer or a regulatory agency identified a safety problem with the product, but you’ll still need to show that the specific defect caused your injury. Recall notices and the underlying reason for the recall are worth preserving as part of your claim. An attorney can help you understand how a recall affects your case.
Not having the product makes a claim more difficult but not necessarily impossible, since other evidence like photos, purchase records, medical records, and similar products can sometimes help establish what happened. Whenever possible, preserving the product itself, along with its packaging and any instructions, is one of the most valuable things you can do for your claim. An attorney can help you understand what other evidence might support your case if the product isn’t available.
Indiana generally requires a claim to be filed within two years of when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered, subject to an overall ten year statute of repose from when the product was first delivered to its initial user, with an exception that allows two additional years to file if the injury occurs between the eighth and tenth year after delivery. These overlapping deadlines make it important to talk with an attorney as soon as possible after a defective product injury. An attorney can help you determine which deadline applies to your specific situation.
Not following instructions exactly doesn’t automatically defeat a claim, since the relevant question is usually whether the product was unreasonably dangerous even when used in a way the manufacturer should have reasonably anticipated. Manufacturers are generally required to anticipate common misuse and design or warn accordingly. An attorney can help evaluate how your specific use of the product affects your claim.
Claims against foreign manufacturers are possible but can involve additional procedural complexity, including questions about which courts have jurisdiction and how to properly serve a company based outside the United States. Often a domestic distributor or retailer can also be named as a defendant, which can simplify the process. An attorney can help you understand the best path forward if the manufacturer is based overseas.

If you were injured by a defective product, we can help you understand whether you have a claim against the manufacturer or another responsible party. We offer a consultation to review what happened and your options. Reach out to RileyCate today to speak with a product liability attorney about your situation.

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