When a product causes harm due to a defect, the manufacturer or seller may be held responsible. Product liability claims help injured consumers seek compensation. These claims usually fall into three main categories: defective design, manufacturing defects and failure to warn.
Below are some important points to remember.
Defective design
A product with a flawed design can be dangerous even when used correctly. These defects occur before the product is made, affecting every unit produced. Examples include vehicles prone to rollovers, unstable furniture that easily tips over or medical devices with design flaws that cause injury. In these cases, the entire product line may be considered unsafe and may subsequently be recalled.
Manufacturing defects
A manufacturing defect happens when an error occurs during production, making a product unsafe. Unlike design defects, these issues affect only some units rather than the entire product line. Examples include contaminated medication, faulty wiring in an appliance or a car part that breaks due to poor materials. If a manufacturing mistake makes a product dangerous, the company may be liable for injuries.
Failure to warn
Some products carry risks even when used as intended. Manufacturers must provide clear warnings and instructions to help consumers avoid harm. If a company fails to do so, they may be liable for injuries. Examples include medication without proper dosage warnings, cleaning chemicals missing hazard labels or power tools sold without safety instructions.
If a dangerous product has injured you, you may have a product liability claim. Proving that the manufacturer or seller was negligent can be tricky, so it’s important to seek some legal guidance.