Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. Suppose you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty product. In that case, understanding the elements of a product liability claim is crucial to securing compensation for your injuries and losses. This blog will guide you through the essential components of establishing a successful product liability claim.
Types of Product Defects
Understanding the elements of a product liability claim is crucial for anyone seeking compensation for injuries caused by faulty products. Three primary types of product defects can form the basis of a liability claim: design defects, manufacturing defects, and warning/instruction defects. Design defects occur when a product's design inherently poses an unreasonable risk of injury, even if it is manufactured correctly. For example, a firearm that discharges accidentally due to a flawed safety mechanism is considered to have a design defect. On the other hand, manufacturing defects arise from errors during the production process, leading to an individual product that deviates from the intended design—such as a gas tank that explodes due to improper assembly. Lastly, warning or instruction defects happen when a manufacturer fails to provide adequate instructions or warnings about a product's use or potential hazards. This lack of information can result in misuse and subsequent injuries, as seen in cases where consumers were not properly warned about the risks of smoking. Identifying and proving these defects is essential for a successful product liability claim, ensuring victims receive fair compensation for their injuries.
Elements of a Product Liability Claim
You must prove several key elements to succeed in a product liability claim. Here’s what you need to establish:
1. The Product Was Defective
The first element involves proving that the product in question was defective. This could be due to a design defect, manufacturing defect, or failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions. Expert testimony and evidence, such as product recalls or safety reports, can support this claim.
2. The Defect Existed When It Left the Manufacturer
You must demonstrate that the defect was present when the product left the manufacturer or seller’s control. This is critical because it shows that the defect was not caused by any subsequent handling or misuse of the product after it left the manufacturer.
3. You Used the Product as Intended
A key aspect of a product liability claim is showing that you were using the product in a manner it was intended or reasonably foreseeable to be used. If you unintentionally use the product, the manufacturer might argue that they are not responsible for your injuries.
4. The Defect Caused Your Injury
There must be a direct causal link between the defect and your injury. This means you need to prove that the defect was the actual cause of your injury and not some other factor. Medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence can help establish this connection.
5. You Suffered Damages
Lastly, you must demonstrate that you suffered damages due to the defect. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses. Documentation of your medical treatment, financial losses, and impact on your quality of life will be essential in proving this element.
Proving Negligence
To successfully pursue a product liability claim, it is crucial to understand and prove the elements of negligence. In such cases, liability can be established through several legal theories, including tortious misrepresentation, breach of warranty, strict liability, or negligence1. When focusing on negligence, five key elements must be satisfied: duty, breach, causation (actual and proximate), and damages. Firstly, you need to demonstrate that the manufacturer owed a duty of care to the consumer. Secondly, it must be shown that the manufacturer breached this duty by failing to meet reasonable safety standards. Thirdly, this breach must be the actual cause of the injury, meaning the injury would not have occurred but for the breach. Fourthly, a proximate cause must be established, showing that the injuries were a foreseeable result of the breach. Lastly, actual damages must be proven, indicating that real harm was suffered by the plaintiff due to the negligent act. Proving these elements comprehensively is essential to holding any party within the product's distribution chain accountable, whether the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.
Contact Greene Broillet & Wheeler
Understanding the elements of a product liability claim is essential to securing the compensation you deserve. At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, we have extensive experience handling complex product liability cases. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and achieve a successful outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable.