When you purchase a product, you expect it to be safe and functional. However, defective products can cause serious injuries, leading to costly medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. In California, product liability laws hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for dangerous products. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product, you may have the right to seek compensation.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of companies to ensure that their products are safe for consumers. If a product is defective and causes harm, the injured party can file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
Types of Product Defects
- Manufacturing Defects – Errors that occur during production, causing a product to be faulty or dangerous.
- Example: A batch of airbags that fail to deploy.
- Design Defects – Flaws in the product’s blueprint, making it inherently unsafe even if manufactured correctly.
- Example: A stroller that easily tips over.
- Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects) – Lack of proper warnings or instructions, leading to misuse and injuries.
- Example: A medication without side effect warnings.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Product?
Multiple parties may be responsible in a product liability lawsuit, including:
- Manufacturers – The company that produced the defective product.
- Distributors – The suppliers that sold the product to retailers.
- Retailers – Stores that marketed and sold the unsafe product.
How to Prove a Product Liability Case
To win a defective product lawsuit, the injured party must prove:
- The product was defective and unreasonably dangerous.
- The defect directly caused injury or harm.
- The product was used as intended.
Compensation for Defective Product Injuries
Victims of defective products may be entitled to financial compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (if the company was reckless)
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation. At Law Advocate Group, LLP, we specialize in product liability cases and can help you hold negligent companies accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation.
