Average Product Liability Settlement in Nashville, TN

average product liability case

What to Prove & Could Yours Be Worth More?

If a defective product caused your injury, you’re likely wondering: What’s my case really worth? And more specifically, what is the average product liability settlement?

At The Higgins Firm, we’ve represented clients across Tennessee in complex product liability lawsuits—from faulty medical devices to hazardous consumer products. These cases can be high-stakes, high-value, and highly technical. But with the right strategy, they can also deliver meaningful compensation.

In this post, we’ll walk you through:

  • What the average product liability settlement looks like
  • What makes these cases different from other injury claims
  • Key Tennessee laws that impact your case
  • Real-world examples of product liability lawsuit settlements
  • How to maximize your potential compensation

Why There’s No “Average” Product Liability Settlement—And Why That’s a Good Thing

If you’ve been hurt by a defective product, one of your first questions is probably: How much is a case like mine worth?

We get that question all the time. But here’s the truth: there is no reliable average for product liability lawsuit settlements. And that’s because every case is shaped by a unique mix of facts, injuries, and legal issues.

A claim involving a dangerous toy is not going to settle like one involving a failed medical device. A minor burn from a faulty appliance doesn’t belong in the same category as a permanent disability caused by a defective vehicle part.

Here’s what actually influences the size of a product liability settlement:

  • The nature and extent of your injuries
  • The type of product involved
  • Whether the manufacturer ignored safety standards or warnings
  • How clearly the defect can be proven
  • How the injury has affected your ability to work and live

In other words, your settlement depends on your story—and the strength of your legal team.

At The Higgins Firm, we never use cookie-cutter numbers or guesswork. Instead, we build your case from the ground up, gather expert analysis, and fight for the full compensation you’re owed under Tennessee law.

Tennessee Product Liability Laws: What You Need to Know

Tennessee’s product liability laws are governed by Title 29, Chapter 28 of the 2024 Tennessee Code.

Let’s break down three critical rules that impact your case:

1. You Must Prove the Product Was Defective or Unreasonably Dangerous

Under T.C.A. § 29-28-105, manufacturers and sellers aren’t automatically responsible for harm. You must prove that the product:

  • Was in a defective condition or
  • Was unreasonably dangerous at the time it left their control

“Unreasonably dangerous” means the product was more hazardous than the ordinary consumer would expect.

2. Sellers Are Protected—Unless They Had Control

Tennessee doesn’t let you sue the seller (like a retailer) unless certain exceptions apply.

Per T.C.A. § 29-28-106, a seller can be liable if they:

  • Altered the product
  • Controlled the design or labeling
  • Gave an express warranty
  • Sold a product made by an insolvent or unreachable manufacturer

Most claims focus on manufacturers unless one of these five situations applies.

3. You’re on the Clock: Time Limits to Sue

Tennessee law  under T.C.A. § 29-28-103 currently imposes strict deadlines:

  • 1 year from the injury date, but no more than 10 years from the product’s first purchase.
  • 1 year after the product’s expected lifespan expires

Miss those? You’re likely out of luck—unless the case involves minors, silicone breast implants, or asbestos exposure, and a few other limited exceptions.

What Goes Into Product Liability Lawsuit Settlements?

When we evaluate your case at The Higgins Firm, we look at the whole picture. That includes:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Punitive damages (in rare cases)

In Tennessee, if the manufacturer complied with government standards at the time of sale, there’s a rebuttable presumption the product wasn’t unreasonably dangerous (T.C.A. § 29-28-104). But we can overcome that if we show they:

  • Withheld critical safety info
  • Failed to update warnings
  • Sold the product after a government recall

And yes—Tennessee caps punitive damages in some cases, but if the manufacturer acted recklessly or concealed dangers, those caps can be challenged.

Product Liability Lawyers Serving Nashville and Beyond

Product liability lawsuits are some of the most complex injury cases we handle. But they can also deliver life-changing results when pursued with skill, strategy, and evidence.

At The Higgins Firm, we bring:

  • Decades of experience in Tennessee injury law
  • Trial-tested litigation strategies
  • Personalized case assessments
  • Access to top industry experts in engineering, medicine, and safety standards

Whether you’ve been injured by a defective medical device, dangerous consumer product, or toxic chemical exposure, we’re here to guide you—every step of the way.

Your Case Isn’t “Average.” It’s Yours.

You came here looking for the average product liability settlement. Now you know—averages only go so far.

What matters most is how your injuries happened, how they’ve changed your life, and what we can prove.

Let us take it from here.

Call The Higgins Firm today for a free consultation.

We’ll tell you what your case may really be worth—and fight for the full settlement you deserve.

Author Bio

Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.

Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.

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