DC Injury Lawyer Blog
If you were seriously hurt by a product you bought online, you may wonder whether you can hold the manufacturer accountable. A recent federal ruling in Marion v. Anchor Hocking, LLC confirms that in some cases, Maryland law allows you to seek not only compensation for your medical costs but also punitive damages. That additional relief applies when the manufacturer’s actions show reckless disregard for safety.
In this case, a glass jar shattered and severely injured a Maryland resident. The court declined to dismiss the claim, allowing it to move forward and leaving open the possibility of punitive damages. If a defective or dangerous product hurt you, this decision shows that your case may be stronger than you think.
Court Allows Punitive Damages Claim in Defective Product Injury Case
The person in this case purchased a glass container through Amazon. After using the product as intended, the container shattered without warning, causing severe injuries to their foot. The lawsuit alleged that the glass product was either defectively designed or manufactured, and that the company was aware of the risks but failed to rectify them or provide adequate warnings.
The manufacturer attempted to have the punitive damages portion of the claim dismissed early, arguing that the injury did not meet the legal threshold for such relief. The judge disagreed. In Maryland, punitive damages may be awarded when evidence demonstrates actual malice or a conscious disregard for public safety. The court ruled that, if proven, the allegations could meet that standard.
This ruling gives injured consumers a stronger legal position when dealing with dangerous household products.
What Punitive Damages Mean in a Maryland Injury Case
Punitive damages are different from medical bills or lost wages. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer, not just to compensate the injured person. In product liability cases, courts apply a higher standard before allowing these claims to go forward. You must show more than negligence. You must prove that the company knew about a risk and chose to ignore it.
In Marion, the court found that the company’s knowledge of prior complaints and continued sale of the product without sufficient changes could meet that higher bar. If you suffered a similar injury, your lawyer can investigate whether the manufacturer had warnings, internal reports, or testing results that pointed to a known hazard.
Online Purchases Do Not Shield Manufacturers from Liability
Many people believe that buying through a third-party platform like Amazon makes it harder to bring a case. That is not necessarily true. If the manufacturer made, labeled, or distributed the item, you may still hold them accountable under Maryland law. In some cases, even the distributor or retailer can face liability depending on how the product reached your hands.
You should not assume that your case ends simply because the company denies responsibility. An experienced product injury attorney can trace the supply chain and determine which parties may be responsible for your injuries.
Key Elements Required to Win a Product Injury Claim in Maryland
To succeed in a defective product claim, you must show that:
- The product was unreasonably dangerous;
- You used the product as intended or in a foreseeable way;
- That use caused your injury; and
- The manufacturer failed to correct or warn about the danger.
If you still have the item or photos from the scene, preserve them. Medical records, purchase receipts, and witness statements can also strengthen your claim. Your attorney may consult product engineers or industry experts to support your case.
Speak with a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer After a Product Injury
If a product you purchased caused serious harm, you may have more legal options than you realize. A court in Maryland recently confirmed that companies cannot ignore safety risks and expect to avoid consequences. Whether your injury involved glass, electronics, tools, or another household item, your case deserves careful review.
Call Schupak Law Firm at 240-833-3914 to schedule a free consultation. Our team can review your situation, explain your rights, and assist you in taking the next step toward recovery.