Product Liability

Every day, we use products—phones, food, cars, medicine, toys, tools, and more. Most of the time, they work fine. But sometimes, things go very wrong. A product might break, explode, or not do what it’s supposed to. And if someone gets seriously hurt, that’s where product liability law comes in.

When companies put unsafe stuff out into the world, they should be held responsible. That’s what product liability is all about—protecting people when companies don’t.

What Is Product Liability?

Product liability means that a company, seller, or manufacturer can be sued if their product causes harm. If someone gets injured or even killed because of a defective or dangerous item, a product liability lawyer helps that person or their family take legal action.

These cases aren’t just about money. They’re about justice. They help people pay for medical bills and missed work. They also help stop dangerous products from hurting others in the future.

Common Types of Product Liability Cases

Let’s break down some of the most common types of product problems.

Design Defects

This happens when a product is dangerous from the start—something is wrong with how it was planned or created. Even if made correctly, the product is still unsafe.

Example: A chair designed with legs that are too short and tips over easily.

Manufacturing Defects

Sometimes, the product’s design is fine, but something went wrong during production or assembly.

Example: A bicycle that’s missing a bolt, causing the wheel to fall off.

Failure to Warn

Some products come with risks, but companies need to warn us about them. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, that can be a lawsuit.

Example: A medicine that causes drowsiness but has no warning label.

Products That Can Lead to Lawsuits

Nearly any product can cause harm if it's not made safely. Some common ones include:

• Cars and trucks

• Airbags and brakes

• Prescription drugs

• Over-the-counter medicine

• Children’s toys

• Power tools

• Ladders

• Vape pens

• Food and drinks

• Electronics and batteries

Even everyday items like kitchen blenders or coffee makers can be dangerous if they have defects.

Real Story: Defective Pressure Cooker

Anna bought a pressure cooker that promised fast, safe cooking. One night, the lid blew off while the food was still under pressure. Hot soup splashed all over her arms and face. She had burns and needed medical treatment. Her lawyer discovered that the model had a faulty valve. A lawsuit helped Anna cover her medical bills and also pushed the company to fix the issue.

Who Can Be Sued?

Many people may be responsible for putting a dangerous product in your hands:

• The manufacturer

• The company that designed the product

• Distributors or suppliers

• Wholesalers

• Retail stores

Your lawyer’s job is to figure out who is at fault and include everyone who played a part.

What a Product Liability Lawyer Does

When someone is hurt by a product, it can feel confusing. A lawyer helps by taking care of the legal stuff so the injured person can focus on healing.

Here’s what product lawyers do:

• Talk with you about what happened

• Collect photos, receipts, and records

• Work with product experts and engineers

• Check for past safety recalls or lawsuits

• File a legal claim

• Try to settle the case or take it to trial

They help injured people get money for their losses and hold companies accountable.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Get?

If you win or settle a product liability case, the money you get might cover:

• Emergency room visits

• Surgery or follow-up treatment

• Medication

• Rehab and therapy

• Lost pay if you had to miss work

• Future lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Costs of long-term care or permanent disability

• Home changes if you need ramps, lifts, or medical equipment

Can You Sue for Emotional Harm?

Yes. Injuries aren’t always physical. Some people suffer from trauma, depression, or anxiety after an accident. This is especially true with burns, amputations, or facial injuries. You can ask for money for emotional distress in your case.

What If a Loved One Died?

If someone dies because of a faulty product, their family can file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover:

• Funeral and burial costs

• Final medical bills

• Loss of income the person would have earned

• Loss of companionship

• Mental pain and suffering

A lawyer can guide families through this very difficult time.

Class Action Lawsuits

Sometimes, a bad product hurts a lot of people. Instead of filing hundreds of separate cases, the law allows a group of people to join together in one big case. This is called a class action.

Class action lawsuits can help:

• Consumers who bought the same dangerous product

• Patients harmed by a bad drug

• Workers who were exposed to toxic chemicals

One example is the class action lawsuits over defective breast implants or harmful weed killers.

Real Case: E-Cigarette Explosion

Josh was charging his vape pen when it suddenly exploded. The battery had no safety shut-off and wasn’t made properly. He had burns on his hand and face. His lawyer found that others had the same problem. Josh joined a class action case, and the company had to pay for his injuries and fix the design.

Civil Rights and Equal Safety

Product liability also connects to civil rights when companies act unfairly. For example:

• A dangerous product is only sold in low-income communities

• Labels are only in English, even though many buyers speak another language

• Safety recalls don’t reach people with limited internet access

These actions hurt communities that are already at risk. Lawyers who understand both product law and civil rights can shine a light on this and fight for justice.

How to Protect Yourself From Dangerous Products

Here are some tips that might help:

• Register your products (especially baby gear and appliances) so you get recall notices

• Read instructions and labels carefully

• Don’t ignore warning signs—like sparks, strange smells, or heat

• Check for safety recalls on websites like recalls.gov

• Keep receipts, boxes, and paperwork, just in case

Even with all this, accidents still happen. But knowing your rights and acting fast can make a big difference.

What to Do After an Injury

If you’re hurt by a product, here’s what to do:

1. Get medical help right away

2. Keep the product (don’t throw it out)

3. Take pictures of your injuries and the product

4. Save all receipts, boxes, and papers

5. Write down what happened in detail

6. Talk to a lawyer as soon as you can

The sooner you act, the better your chance of building a strong case.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Each state has a time limit for filing a product liability lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. In many states, it’s between one and four years. If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to get compensation—even if you have a strong case.

That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer quickly.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

Most serious injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. That means:

• You don’t pay anything up front

• They only get paid if they win or settle your case

• Their fee comes from part of the money you win

This makes it possible for people to get help even if they don’t have money saved.

Can You Still File a Claim If the Product Was Recalled?

Yes. A recall doesn’t mean the company is off the hook. In fact, it may be proof that the product was unsafe. If you were injured by a recalled product, a lawyer can help you file a claim.

What Makes a Strong Product Liability Case?

Not all injuries lead to a successful case. To build a strong one, you’ll need:

• Proof the product was defective or dangerous

• Evidence of your injuries (medical records, photos)

• Receipts or proof of purchase

• A timeline that shows what happened

• Expert opinions, if needed

A good lawyer will help gather all of this and more.

Final Thoughts

Product liability isn’t just about bad products. It’s about real people getting hurt by something they trusted. It’s about companies taking responsibility for what they put out into the world. And it’s about making sure no one else has to go through the same pain.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective or dangerous product, you don’t have to face it alone. A serious injury lawyer can guide you, fight for you, and help make things right.

You deserve to be safe. And when safety is ignored, you deserve justic