Holding Manufacturers Accountable: A Philadelphia Product Liability Attorney’s Perspective

A heartbreaking case out of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is drawing national attention—and raising the awareness of harm from lithium battery fires. According to a lawsuit recently filed, a house fire that tragically killed two young children was allegedly started by a lithium battery in a prosthetic arm. The wrongful death complaint names the manufacturers and suppliers of the prosthetic and its components, including the lithium-ion battery system, as responsible parties.

As a Philadelphia product liability attorney, I know that cases involving product liability are among the most complex and emotionally charged in personal injury law. They demand careful legal strategy, technical expertise, and relentless advocacy. Below, I’ll outline what a Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer must prove in these types of lawsuits—and why families should consider legal action in the wake of such avoidable tragedies.

Establishing a Product Defect

To hold a manufacturer accountable, a Philadelphia product liability attorney must first show that the product was defective. In this case, that means examining whether the prosthetic arm’s battery was inherently dangerous due to:

• A design defect – meaning the product was dangerous as designed.
• A manufacturing defect – indicating a mistake during assembly or production.
• A failure to warn – where users were not adequately warned of the potential risks of overheating, fire, or explosion.

In the Johnstown case, the lawsuit claims that the battery system within the prosthetic arm failed and ignited the deadly fire. A personal injury attorney would likely work with engineers and fire safety experts to investigate the battery’s design and determine if a safer alternative was available.

Demonstrating Causation Between the Battery and the Fire

Proving causation is a critical element in any product liability or wrongful death case. A Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer would need to directly link the lithium battery to the fire that caused the fatal injuries. This involves:

• Gathering fire marshal and police reports
• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Analyzing forensic evidence from the fire scene
• Consulting with electrical and battery safety experts

The plaintiff’s legal team will argue that the fire would not have occurred but for the battery’s failure. Establishing that direct connection is essential to hold the battery manufacturer or device company liable.

Showing Negligence or Strict Product Liability

Under Pennsylvania law, a Philadelphia product liability attorney may pursue claims under theories of negligence and strict product liability.

• Negligence involves proving that the defendant failed to act with reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, or distributing the product.
• Strict liability, on the other hand, does not require showing negligence—only that the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous.

In wrongful death cases involving product liability, the distinction can be critical. A Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer will consider both theories in their goal to maximize the client’s opportunity for compensation and accountability.

Quantifying the Damages for the Victim’s Family

The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to secure financial relief for the losses suffered by the family. Damages in these cases can be extensive and may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills from any life-saving attempts
• Loss of income and support from a parent or guardian
• Emotional trauma and grief
• Pain and suffering of the deceased, if any survived the fire temporarily

A Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer will often work with economists, grief counselors, and other professionals to present a full picture of the financial and emotional losses the family has endured.

Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties

In product liability lawsuits, more than one company may share responsibility. A Philadelphia product liability attorney will investigate:

• The prosthetic’s manufacturer
• The battery cell maker
• Third-party distributors and suppliers
• Companies that imported or modified the device

Each party in the supply chain may bear a share of liability. Naming all responsible defendants is essential to ensuring full compensation and long-term accountability.

Why You Should Contact the Wieand Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been affected by a product liability, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. The Wieand Law Firm is a trusted advocate for families seeking justice after catastrophic events. Whether you need a Philadelphia product liability attorney to investigate a defective product or a Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer to pursue justice for a lost family member, the Wieand team is here to help.

These cases require urgency. Evidence must be preserved quickly, and legal filings must be prepared with precision. Don’t wait to take the first step toward holding negligent companies accountable.

Contact the Wieand Law Firm today at 215-666-0402 to schedule a free consultation.