Defective Products

Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers can be legally responsible for injuries or damages caused by a product that is considered defective or unsafe. This area of law is designed to protect consumers and hold responsible parties accountable when a defective product causes harm.

There are generally three types of defects that can lead to product liability claims:

Design Defects: These occur when there is a flaw or error in the initial design of a product. This means that all products of that design are inherently dangerous and can potentially cause harm. Even if the product was manufactured correctly, it may still be considered defective due to its design.
Manufacturing Defects: Manufacturing defects happen during the production process. It means that while the product's design was sound, a mistake or error occurred during manufacturing, making some units of the product unsafe or different from the intended design. Only the affected units are considered defective.
Marketing or Labeling Defects: These occur when a product lacks adequate warnings, instructions, or safety labels. If a product's marketing materials misrepresent its capabilities or risks, it can also be considered a marketing defect. Consumers should be properly informed about how to use a product safely.

When someone is injured or experiences property damage due to a defective product, they may have the legal right to file a product liability claim. To establish a successful product liability case, the plaintiff typically needs to prove:

The product was defective.
The defect caused the injury or damage.
The product was being used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable manner.
The plaintiff suffered actual harm or damages.

The responsible parties in a product liability case can include the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, and sometimes even the designer of the product. Depending on the circumstances, a plaintiff may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Product liability laws vary from one jurisdiction to another, and they can be quite complex. Therefore, individuals who believe they have a product liability claim should consult with an attorney experienced in this area of law to understand their rights and options.