Product Liability

When a defective or unreasonably dangerous product—whether consumer goods, machinery, automotive components, medical devices, or industrial equipment—causes injury or death, injured individuals may hold manufacturers, distributors, or retailers liable.

Types of Product Defects

• Design defect: the product is unreasonably dangerous because of its design (e.g., a stroller that tips over easily, a defective automotive brake system)
• Manufacturing defect: the product was designed properly but manufactured incorrectly (e.g., defective welding, faulty assembly, contaminated medical device)
• Failure to warn / inadequate instructions: the product is unreasonably dangerous when used as intended or with foreseeable misuse, and fails to include proper warnings or instructions (e.g., pharmaceuticals without proper risk warnings, toys lacking choking-hazard labels)
• Post-sale defect / failure to recall: after-sale changes, wear, or failure to correct known dangers (e.g., failure to warn or recall a recalled medical device)

Common Product Liability Cases

• Defective auto parts (brakes, airbags, tires)
• Dangerous medical devices or pharmaceuticals
• Unsafe consumer products (toys, children’s products, power tools)
• Industrial machinery or workplace equipment
• Household appliances

Why This Practice Area Requires Specialized Representation

Product liability cases often involve complex engineering, manufacturing, design, and regulatory issues. They require expert testimony from engineers, product safety experts, medical doctors, economists, and life care planners, and often involve product recall data, compliance history, and deep investigation of supply chains. A firm with experience in strict liability and negligence product litigation will be well-equipped to navigate these complexities and overcome defense arguments such as misuse, assumption of risk, or intervening causes.