When you purchase a product, you trust that it is safe and effective for its intended use. Unfortunately, defective products cause thousands of injuries every year, leaving consumers with medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term suffering. Product liability law exists to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable when their products fail to meet safety standards.
This guide explains how product liability claims work, the types of defects that may lead to lawsuits, and what you need to know to protect your rights.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of companies in the chain of distribution—such as manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers—for injuries caused by defective products. In California, victims can pursue claims under strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty.
Strict liability means that a company can be held responsible for a dangerous product even if it did not act negligently. This ensures that consumers have a path to compensation without having to prove intent or carelessness. For more information on liability standards, you can review guidance from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Types of Product Defects
Not all product defects are the same. Courts typically recognize three main categories:
- Design Defects – The product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even when used correctly.
Example: a car with a fuel tank positioned in a way that makes explosions likely during collisions. - Manufacturing Defects – The product becomes unsafe due to errors in the production process.
Example: a batch of medication contaminated during packaging. - Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects) – The product lacks proper instructions or warnings about potential dangers.
Example: a chemical cleaner without warning labels about toxic fumes.
Proving a Product Liability Claim
To succeed in a product liability case, a plaintiff generally must establish:
- The product was defective.
- The defect existed when the product left the manufacturer or seller.
- The defect directly caused injury or harm.
- The product was being used as intended (or in a reasonably foreseeable way).
Gathering strong evidence is key. This may include medical records, expert testimony, the defective product itself, and proof of purchase. An experienced California personal injury attorney can help ensure all necessary documentation is collected.
Examples of Product Liability Cases
Product liability claims cover a wide range of products, such as:
- Medical Devices: Pacemakers, hip implants, or surgical mesh that malfunction.
- Household Products: Faulty appliances or flammable furniture.
- Automotive Defects: Airbag failures, tire blowouts, or unsafe car designs.
- Children’s Toys: Choking hazards, toxic paint, or defective cribs.
- Pharmaceuticals: Dangerous side effects not disclosed to consumers.
Compensation Available
Victims of defective products may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, and long-term treatment.
- Lost Wages – Income lost due to time off work.
- Pain and Suffering – Physical and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages – In some cases, courts may award additional damages to punish particularly reckless behavior by manufacturers.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Product liability claims are complex, often involving multiple defendants and large corporations with strong legal teams. An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate the defect and identify liable parties.
- Gather expert testimony and evidence.
- Navigate negotiations with insurance companies.
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary.
Without legal help, consumers risk settling for far less than they deserve—or losing their claim altogether.
Protecting Your Rights as a Consumer
Consumers have the right to expect safe products. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a defective product, taking legal action not only protects your interests but also helps prevent future injuries by holding companies accountable.
At Hackett Law Firm, we help injured consumers pursue justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case with a skilled California product liability attorney.
