Honolulu Defective Products Lawyer

Trusted Honolulu Attorneys for Defective Product and Dangerous Drug Cases

Honolulu Defective Products AttorneyAt Shim & Chang, we’ve helped countless clients who have been harmed by defective products and hazardous medications. From the cars we drive to the appliances in our homes and the medications we rely on, manufactured goods are a part of daily life. When these defective products are flawed and cause harm, Hawaii law ensures that manufacturers and distributors can be held responsible. As experienced Honolulu defective products lawyers, our firm is here to help guide you through your product liability claim.

Defective Product Cases: Holding Manufacturers Accountable

Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers for injuries or damages caused by defective or dangerous products. If a product is designed poorly, manufactured with defects, or lacks proper warnings, those responsible can be held liable for any harm it causes under product liability laws. Our seasoned Honolulu product liability attorneys have successfully represented victims in a variety of product liability cases. Here are just a few examples of cases we have handled:

One of our clients was using a washing machine at a laundromat when, as she opened the door to remove her clothes, the machine unexpectedly restarted. Her arm became trapped, resulting in a severe fracture and permanent loss of function. After a thorough investigation, our team discovered a faulty microswitch in the door, which failed to prevent the machine from running while it was open.

In another case, a client’s daughter was doing laundry at home and was tragically found unresponsive shortly after. The medical examiner determined that she had been electrocuted. Our expert investigation revealed that the washing machine’s grounding wires had failed, causing the control panel to become dangerously electrified due to water exposure and machine vibrations.

Escalators, while common in public spaces, can pose serious risks—especially to children. We have represented numerous young clients who suffered devastating injuries, including amputations and disfigurement, after their hands or fingers became trapped in escalator steps or handrail returns.

If you have been harmed by a manufacturing defect, our defective products attorneys at Shim & Chang are here to help you seek justice and compensation.

Dangerous Drug Cases: Shim & Chang Fighting for Those Harmed by Unsafe Medications

When medications are defective or lack proper warnings about potential risks and side effects, they can cause serious harm—or even death. Patients are also at risk when doctors prescribe medications incorrectly or in dangerously high doses.

At Shim & Chang, our experienced legal team in Honolulu represented the families of three infant boys who suffered devastating consequences after being prescribed a steroid for an extended period. The manufacturer—one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies—aggressively marketed the drug as safe for children, even for minor ailments like a runny nose. However, they failed to disclose the dangers of prolonged use.

Our clients’ children were given this steroid daily for over two years. When they became gravely ill, a hospital investigation revealed both the doctor’s extreme negligence in over-prescribing the drug and the manufacturer’s failure to warn about its long-term risks. The boys developed severe health complications, including deformities, excessive hair growth, fragile skin and blood vessels, and dangerously high blood pressure. Although they were eventually taken off the medication, the damage was irreversible. Two of the boys suffered brain injuries, and tragically, one passed away due to a brain aneurysm.

After years of legal battles, we secured a settlement for the families, holding both the negligent doctor and the pharmaceutical company accountable. If you or someone you know has suffered due to a dangerous drug, our product liability lawyers are here to fight for justice on your behalf.

Hidden Explosion Risks in Your Basement or Garage

Could There Be a Hidden Danger in Your Home?
You might not realize it, but common household products stored in your basement or garage could pose a serious fire—and even explosion—risk. According to fire safety statistics, an estimated 160,910 fires start each year due to the ignition of flammable or combustible liquids, leading to approximately 454 deaths, 3,910 injuries, and $1.5 billion in property damage annually.

Common Household Items That Can Ignite or Explode
Many everyday products found in garages and basements can become hazardous if placed near a heat source, open flame, or spark. These include:

  • Kerosene, oil, and gasoline
  • Cleaning solvents
  • Paints and thinners
  • Adhesives
  • Propane tanks

How Do Product Explosions and Fires Happen in Your Household?
Many of these products release vapors or can leak over time. If stored too close to a heat source, spark, or open flame, they can ignite instantly—turning an ordinary household space into a dangerous fire or explosion zone. In some cases, all it takes is a small electrical spark from an appliance to trigger a deadly chain reaction.

To protect your home and family, always store flammable materials safely and away from potential ignition sources. If an appliance defect or improper labeling has contributed to a fire or explosion, pursuing legal guidance on a product liability claim can help ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies. At Shim & Chang, let our Honolulu product liability lawyer take care of your case and secure the justice you deserve.

Appliance Safety: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Your Family

Home appliances bring convenience to our daily lives, but they can also pose serious safety hazards. Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries—or worse—due to accidents involving household appliances. Many common devices, including clothes dryers, water heaters, stoves, ovens, grills, and even refrigerators, can become fire hazards when exposed to flammable liquids or gases.

One of our clients experienced a devastating tragedy due to an undetected appliance hazard. After purchasing an electric water heater and installing it in their garage, they stored a propane tank for their BBQ grill nearby—unaware of the potential danger. The water heater lacked a warning label about flammable vapor risks, and it also had a critical design flaw: every time its thermostat switched on or off, it generated a powerful electric arc. The thermostat was not airtight, which meant it could ignite nearby flammable vapors.

Tragically, the propane tank developed a leak just before the water heater cycled off. The spark from the heater’s thermostat ignited the propane gas, triggering a massive explosion. In a matter of minutes, the blast destroyed their home and claimed the lives of their daughter and granddaughter.

Through our deep understanding of product defects and safety risks, we uncovered critical flaws in both the water heater’s design and its lack of proper warnings. This knowledge allowed us to successfully resolve the claim for our clients. If a defective appliance has caused harm to your family, our team is here to help you seek justice and hold manufacturers accountable—so no other family has to endure a similar tragedy.

It was our knowledge of this explosion risk and defects in the heater’s design and warning labels that led to the eventual resolution of the claim. If your family member is injured or killed because of an appliance defect, let our product liability knowledge and experience help you obtain compensation for your family, and at the same time, hold the appliance manufacturer accountable so it doesn’t happen again to someone else’s family. Our defective products lawyers are here to help.

Speak with an Attorney About Defective Products & Dangerous Drugs

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a defective product or dangerous drug in Hawaii, our Honolulu defective products lawyer is here to help. Contact our Honolulu office for a free consultation. With years of experience, we have successfully taken on some of the world’s largest corporations, including major automobile manufacturers, pharmaceutical giants, leading escalator and elevator companies, and top appliance and product manufacturers. Let our knowledge and dedication work for you in seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.