To bring a valid product liability case in California, you need more than just proof of harm—you must show that a product was defective and that the defect caused your injury while being used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way. The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings, available at www.ourclientswin.com, represents individuals injured by unsafe or defective products. From faulty car parts to dangerous toys and contaminated food, product-related injuries are more common than many people realize. But not every injury automatically leads to a successful lawsuit.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability is the area of law that holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible for placing defective or dangerous products into the hands of consumers. These are strict liability cases in California, which means that you often don’t need to prove negligence—just that the product was defective and caused harm.
Product liability applies to a wide range of items, including:
- Vehicles and auto parts
- Electronics and batteries
- Medical devices and drugs
- Children’s toys and furniture
- Appliances and power tools
- Food and beverages
- Cosmetics and household chemicals
When one of these products malfunctions and causes injury, the companies involved in designing, manufacturing, or selling it may be legally responsible.
The Three Types of Product Defects
To file a valid claim, your case must involve one or more types of defects:
- Design Defect. The product is dangerous by design—even if manufactured perfectly. Example: A children’s toy with small parts that present a choking hazard.
- Manufacturing Defect. A mistake occurred during production or assembly, making the specific product unsafe. Example: A batch of pressure cookers with weak seals that explode when used normally.
- Marketing Defect (Failure to Warn). The product lacked proper instructions, warnings, or labels to ensure safe use. Example: A cleaning chemical without sufficient warnings about toxic fumes.
Each of these defects can lead to a valid case if the product caused an injury while being used as intended or in a foreseeable way.
In California, a valid product liability claim generally requires four elements:
- The product was defective – due to design, manufacturing, or marketing.
- You used the product as intended – or in a foreseeable, normal way.
- You were injured – physically or financially.
- The defect directly caused your injury – not another factor.
Even if the product hasn’t been recalled or reported as dangerous, you can still file a claim if it meets these criteria.
Real-World Examples of Valid Claims
- A car’s airbag fails to deploy during a crash, resulting in serious head trauma.
- A pacemaker malfunctions due to a manufacturing error, leading to heart failure.
- An e-cigarette battery explodes while charging, causing burns.
- A baby stroller collapses due to a design flaw, injuring the child.
- A dietary supplement causes liver damage, and its label fails to mention potential side effects.
These types of claims often require expert testimony, detailed investigation, and technical analysis—which is why legal representation is crucial.
What Laws Apply to Product Liability in California?
California follows strict liability rules in product defect cases. This means:
- The manufacturer or seller can be held liable even if they weren’t negligent.
- Plaintiffs only need to prove that the product was defective and harmful—not that the company acted irresponsibly.
- Retailers, wholesalers, and others in the supply chain can also be liable, even if they didn’t make the product.
- In some cases, negligence or breach of warranty may also be alleged alongside strict liability.
If your product liability case is successful, you may be eligible for compensation, including:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages (in extreme cases)
Every case is different, and the potential value depends on the severity of your injuries and the product involved.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Product
Here are the first steps you should take if you think a defective product caused your injury:
- Seek immediate medical attention and keep all medical records.
- Preserve the product—don’t throw it away. It may be essential evidence.
- Take photos of the product, packaging, warnings, and your injuries.
- Keep receipts, user manuals, and warranty info.
- Avoid giving statements to the product manufacturer or insurer without legal advice.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in product liability cases.
Not all injuries from products are the user’s fault. Many are the result of poor design, faulty manufacturing, or a failure to warn. If you or a loved one has been hurt while using a consumer product, it’s worth asking: Was the product safe to begin with?
A valid product liability case starts with that question—and an experienced legal team can help you answer it. Don’t wait to explore your options. Justice may begin with a closer look at what failed, why, and who should be held responsible.
