No one expects to be injured by a product they thought was safe, but knowing your rights is key when it happens. Product liability laws exist to protect consumers and ensure that companies are held accountable when they cut corners or overlook safety standards.

In this post, we’ll break down what product liability means, how these claims work, and what steps to take if a defective product injures you or a loved one.

What Is Product Liability?

Product liability refers to a manufacturer or seller being held legally responsible for placing a defective product into the hands of a consumer. These claims typically fall into three main categories:

1. Design Defects: These are flaws in the product’s blueprint. Even if made perfectly, the product is dangerous by design.

    

2. Manufacturing Defects: These happen during the production process, where something went wrong when the product was being made or assembled.

    

3. Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn): If a product does not include adequate warnings or instructions and causes injury as a result, this is also grounds for a claim.

Common Examples

Product liability cases range from various industries. Some common examples include:

• A car with faulty airbags.

   

• A kitchen appliance that overheats and starts a fire.

   

• Prescription drugs with harmful side effects that were not disclosed.

   

• Children’s toys with choking hazards not labeled on the packaging.

In each case, the core issue is the same: a product that should have been safe caused harm.

Who is Held Liable?

Depending on the case, several parties could be responsible:

• The product manufacturer

   

• The parts manufacturer

   

• The company that assembled or installed the product

   

• The retailer that sold the product

Under the legal principle of strict liability, a consumer does not always need to prove negligence—just that the product was defective and caused injury.

What To Do If You Have Been Injured

If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective product, here are the steps to take:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.

    

2. Keep the product—do not throw it away, as it may be important evidence.

    

3. Document everything: injuries, medical treatment, product packaging, purchase receipts.

    

4. Speak with a product liability attorney. These cases can be complex, and having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.

Conclusion

Product liability laws are there to protect consumers and to encourage companies to prioritize safety over shortcuts. If you've been harmed by a faulty product, you have rights.