San Diego Product Liability Lawyers

Product liability law in California is a set of legal principles that hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable for producing and selling defective products that cause harm to consumers. Under California law, a product can be considered defective if it is manufactured incorrectly, designed in a dangerous manner, or lacks proper warnings or instructions. If a consumer is injured or suffers damages due to a defective product, they may have the legal right to seek compensation for their losses through a product liability lawsuit. California has some of the strongest product liability laws in the United States, providing a high level of protection for consumers who have been harmed by dangerous or defective products.

Understanding Strict Liability in California’s Product Liability Law

California’s product liability law imposes a strict liability standard on companies for injuries caused by defective products. Unlike in typical personal injury claims, the injured consumer does not need to prove negligence to establish liability. According to the California Civil Jury Instructions, any defective product is subject to strict liability. This means that manufacturers, distributors, and sellers can be held legally responsible for harm caused by their products, regardless of their level of care or caution in the product’s design, manufacture, or sale. Strict liability in California’s product liability law offers a higher level of protection for consumers who have suffered damages or injuries due to defective products.

Understanding the Four Elements of a Product Liability Claim in California

Product liability law in California is based on the strict liability standard, which holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible for injuries caused by defective products. To establish liability in a product liability claim in California, four elements must be proven.

The defendant must have manufactured, designed, or distributed the product. Second, the product must have been unreasonably dangerous due to poor manufacturing, a flawed design, or inadequate warnings. Third, the product must have been used in a foreseeable and reasonable manner. Finally, the plaintiff must have suffered harm as a result of using the product.

In California, product liability claims usually fall into one of three categories: manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to warn. In manufacturing defect claims, the plaintiff must show that something went wrong during the manufacturing process, causing the product to deviate from its intended design. In design defect claims, the plaintiff must argue that the entire product line is fundamentally flawed. In failure to warn claims, the plaintiff must establish that the defendant failed to explain the risks associated with the product or marketed the product in a dangerous manner.

Understanding California’s Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Claims

If you have been injured by a defective product in California, it is important to act quickly, as the state has a strict time limit for filing a product liability claim. California’s statute of limitations for product liability claims is two years from the date of the injury, as outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1.

If you do not file a claim within this two-year window, your case will be dismissed by the court. To ensure that your claim is filed on time and your legal rights are protected, it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced product liability attorney as soon as possible after your injury.

An attorney can investigate your case, gather evidence, and file your claim within the statute of limitations. Waiting too long to take action could result in the loss of your right to seek compensation for your damages and injuries. So, if you have suffered harm due to a defective product, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified attorney to learn more about your legal options.

Pursuing Compensation for Victims of Dangerous Products in California

Victims of dangerous or defective products in California may be entitled to compensation for the losses and injuries they have suffered. However, corporations and insurance companies who defend product liability cases are often highly aggressive, making it difficult for victims to access fair financial compensation.

At HHJ Trial Attorneys, our experienced Los Angeles product liability attorneys understand the challenges that injured victims face in seeking recovery. We are dedicated to helping our clients maximize their recovery by fighting for the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous or defective product, you may be eligible to recover damages for:

• Property losses
• Emergency medical care
• Other hospital and healthcare expenses
• Physical rehabilitation
• Lost current and future wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

We are committed to fighting for the rights of injured victims and their families and holding negligent manufacturers and other responsible parties accountable for the harm they have caused. If you have suffered damages or injuries due to a defective product, contact us to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the Parties Involved in a Product Liability Case

When a defective product causes harm to a consumer, the victim may seek compensation for their injuries through a product liability case. However, determining who can be held liable for the injuries sustained can be complex.

Product liability cases can involve a broad range of products, such as birth control pills, automobiles, toys, weight loss pills, exercise equipment, and tools. Neglect is a key factor in a product liability case, and if a manufacturer has used harmful materials or substances or failed to use careful construction techniques, they can be held liable for their actions.

In addition to the manufacturer, other parties that can be held liable in a product liability case include distributors and retailers. For instance, a distributor may be held accountable for not disclosing relevant information about a product, while a retailer can be sued for failing to provide proper warnings to the consumer. It is also worth noting that the defendant is not always necessarily the party that manufactured the defective product.

If you have been injured by a defective product, it is essential to work with an experienced product liability attorney who can investigate the case, determine the responsible parties, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Common Injuries Caused by Defective Products

Defective products can cause a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to severe burns, amputations, and even death. In product liability cases, the magnitude of the pain and suffering can be significant, and victims may require compensation for their losses.

Some of the most common injuries that occur in product liability cases include:

• Several-degree burns
• Cuts and scrapes
• Amputations
• Suffocation
• Broken bones
• Third-degree burns

For example, poorly manufactured toys, pillows, cribs, playpens, and car seats can lead to suffocation and other serious injuries in children. Inadequately designed or manufactured vehicles can result in broken bones and severe burns in both adults and children.

The physical injuries are often accompanied by emotional and mental anguish, as the victims’ lives are turned upside down. Fortunately, personal injury attorneys are available to offer consolation and compensation to those who have been injured by defective products. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a defective product, contact an experienced product liability attorney to learn more about your legal options and how you can seek the compensation you deserve.

What to Do If Think You Have Been a Victim of Product Liability

If you have been a victim of product liability, it is essential to take the right steps to protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries. This may include seeking medical attention, documenting the details of the incident, preserving the product as evidence, and contacting an experienced product liability attorney. A qualified attorney can help you understand your legal options, investigate the incident, and determine liability. By taking prompt action and working with a skilled legal professional, you can maximize your chances of recovering damages and securing the justice you deserve.