Product Liability in California: Understanding Your Rights

Summary

Hurt by a defective product? Learn about product liability in California. Find out your rights and how Frantz Law Group can help. Contact us for free advice.

Each year in California, defective products cause thousands of injuries—from malfunctioning electronic devices to hazardous toys and faulty medical equipment. Imagine trusting a product to improve your quality of life, only to suffer harm because it wasn’t designed, manufactured, or marketed safely.

For individuals impacted, the path forward can feel overwhelming.

If you or a loved one has experienced harm from a defective product, it’s essential to understand your rights under California’s product liability laws.

This article will guide you through the basics of product liability, the types of cases often seen, and how to prove a claim so you can take the steps toward securing justice and fair compensation.

What Is Product Liability?

Product liability means that if a defective product hurts someone, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller can be held legally responsible.

There are three main types of product defects under product liability law:

• Manufacturing defects: Errors during production that make a product unsafe (e.g., a batch of batteries made with faulty wiring)
• Design defects: Flaws inherent in a product’s design, rendering it dangerous even if manufactured correctly (e.g., a poorly designed car seat that fails in an accident)
• Marketing defects: Issues with improper instructions, inadequate warnings, or false advertising that lead to product misuse and harm (e.g., a cleaning product without cautionary labels about toxic fumes)

Common Types of Product Liability Cases in California

Defective products can exist across industries. Here are some of the most common product liability cases affecting Californians.

Defective Consumer Products

• Faulty electronics: Products like smartphones or laptop batteries may overheat, explode, or catch fire. A high-profile example is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall due to battery risks.
• Dangerous toys: Small parts or toxic materials in children’s toys can cause choking hazards or chemical exposure.
• Recalled vehicles: Cars and trucks have been recalled due to defective airbags (such as those from Takata) or failing brake systems.
• Contaminated food and medication: Products exposed to harmful bacteria or incorrect doses can cause illness or hospitalization.

Defective Medical Devices

When medical devices fail, the consequences can be life-threatening. Common issues include:

• Defective implants: Poorly designed joint implants or mesh can lead to additional surgeries.
• Faulty pacemakers: Heart devices malfunctioning can cause significant harm or fail to save lives when needed.

Industrial Equipment

Defects in industrial settings can affect workers and public safety.

• Defective machinery: Unsafe factory equipment can cause severe workplace injuries.
• Hazardous chemicals: Improperly labeled or defective chemical containers can lead to toxic exposure.

With cases spanning diverse industries, California residents should remain informed about legal protections surrounding defective products.

Proving a Product Liability Claim in California

Proving your product liability claim hinges on four key legal components:

1. Duty of care: Manufacturers are responsible for creating safe products that meet regulatory standards and mitigate foreseeable risks.
2. Breach of duty: Demonstrate how the defect makes the product unreasonably dangerous for its intended use.
3. Causation: Provide evidence linking your injury directly to the defective product.
4. Damages: Show the harm caused by the defect, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress.

Strong evidence—including the defective product itself, medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of related expenses—significantly strengthens your case.

Experienced legal support can assist in gathering and presenting these materials effectively. Look for product liability lawyers in California with a solid track record of recovering compensation for personal injury victims.

Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Claims in California

Timeliness is crucial when filing a product liability claim. California law typically allows two years from the injury date to file a product liability lawsuit related to the defective product.

Exceptions exist, such as for plaintiffs who are minors or mentally incompetent. Consulting a personal injury lawyer in California ensures you meet all state-specific deadlines and exceptions that may apply to your case.

Your Rights as a Consumer in California

California enforces strict consumer protection laws to ensure public safety, such as the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA), which protects against deceptive practices in product sales.

Consumers are also encouraged to report defects to agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which oversees recalls and product warnings nationwide.

Understanding and exercising your rights strengthens accountability for manufacturers and distributors.

Get the Support You Need with Frantz Law Group

Securing justice in product liability cases can be daunting without an experienced advocate on your side. The complexity of these claims—from identifying liable parties to proving your case in court—makes legal expertise essential.

At Frantz Law Group, we bring decades of experience to every case. Our personal injury attorneys are committed to helping injured Californians recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you need representation for medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional damages, we’re here to help.

Want to know more about your options? Contact Frantz Law Group for your free consultation today!