Product Liability Cases

Product Liability

Product liability law protects consumers from dangerous or defective products. When a company sells a product that causes injury, it may be held responsible. The defect may exist in the product’s design, its manufacture, or the lack of proper warnings or instructions. These cases are complex. They often need expert analysis to prove that the product failed to meet safety standards. The goal is to show that the product was unreasonably dangerous and that the injury happened during normal use. Product liability claims can involve anything from cars, tools, appliances, and electronics to medications, medical devices, or food products. There are three main types of product defects:
  • Design defects – The product is dangerous by design, even if it is made correctly.
  • Manufacturing defects – A mistake during the production process makes the product unsafe.
  • Failure-to-warn – The company does not provide enough instructions or warnings about possible risks.
Product liability cases may be filed against manufacturers, distributors, retailers, or anyone else involved in placing the item on the market. Victims can seek compensation for physical injuries, financial losses, and emotional harm.
Judge gavel and text PRODUCT LIABILITY on table.

Legal Services for Product Liability Cases

A lawyer handling product liability cases can:

  • Investigate how and why the product failed.
  • Work with engineers, medical professionals, or other experts.
  • Identify all parties responsible for the product’s release and distribution.
  • Gather documents, receipts, and product testing data.
  • Handle negotiations with insurance companies or corporate legal teams.
  • File a lawsuit and represent you in court if needed.

These cases are often hard to prove without strong legal support and expert evidence.

An experienced attorney will build a case that shows how the product caused your injury and what losses you suffered as a result.

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Time Limits in Product Liability Cases

You must file your case within a certain period, known as the statute of limitations. In California, most product liability cases must be filed within two years from the date of injury.

If the injury is not discovered right away, the time limit may start when you first noticed or should have noticed the harm.

It’s important to act quickly. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

Time Limits Product Liability Cases
Emotional distress

Damages in Product Liability Cases

If a defective product injures you, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses (current and future treatment).
  • Lost wages if you missed work.
  • Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to work.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Emotional distress.
  • Property damage (if the product damaged your belongings).

In some cases, courts may also award punitive damages. These are meant to punish companies that acted with serious neglect or intentional wrongdoing.

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Call us now to discuss your case. At Willford Law Corporation, our clients come first. We know how to navigate the complicated legal system, have represented thousands of clients, and we can help you too.

FAQ Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between strict liability and negligence in product liability cases?
Strict liability does not require you to prove the company was careless. You only need to show the product was defective and caused your injury. Negligence requires proof that the company did not use reasonable care in making or selling the product.
Examples include cars prone to rolling over, toys with small parts that pose choking hazards, or electronics that overheat and catch fire during normal use.
Yes. Anyone injured by the product—users, bystanders, or people who received it as a gift—can usually file a claim.
What is an implied warranty in product liability cases?
An implied warranty is an unspoken promise that a product is safe and will work as expected for its intended purpose.
If you changed the product, it may affect your claim. The company can argue that your modification caused or added to the risk.
Yes. Some cases involve multiple defective items that together cause injury, like a faulty car part combined with a defective airbag.
If a product was recalled, it can help show that the company knew about the defect. But you can still file a claim even if there was no recall.