On behalf of Weisman, Kennedy & Berris Co., L.P.A. posted in wrongful death on Monday, June 11, 2012.

Chrysler recently announced that more than 137,000 Jeep Liberty SUVs have been added to a safety recall that began several months ago. One estimate puts the total number of vehicles affected to nearly 347,000. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lower control arms in the rear suspensions in the SUVs can rust and break, possibly causing them to crash. The recall involves vehicles in states where salt is used to clear ice and snow from the roads, possibly including those sold or registered in Ohio.

If you have a loved one who was killed in a car accident, you should investigate all possible causes of the tragedy. The fault may not be limited to just the other driver. For example, if you suspect the fatal crash may have been attributable to a defective, unsafe or improperly installed vehicle component, you might be able to bring a claim for wrongful death against the corporate entity and recover compensation for the passing of your loved one.

Generally speaking, a consumer can expect that his or her reasonable use of a product will not cause injuries. That expectation includes the product’s design, its manufacturing and production, and any marketing and advertising (including a failure to warn about potential hazards associated with the use of the product).

In that vein, most consumers in Ohio generally expect their motor vehicles to be safely designed. To the extent unsafe components are discovered, it may be the responsibility of the corporate entity to issue a recall. Of course, even the best designed products may fail if they were negligently manufactured or installed. If you believe that to be the case, don’t delay in consulting with an attorney. An attorney can review the facts of your case and help you identify whether another person or entity was negligent.

If you suspect that a traffic fatality was caused by negligent design or installation, an attorney can advise you about all of your available options and help you obtain any recovery you deserve.

Source: USA Today, “Chrysler expands Jeep Liberty recall,” June 11, 2012