Stevens Point Personal Injury Lawyer

Product Liability Law

If a product is defective, the manufactures are held responsible for the damages. Product liability law functions to protect the consumer by requiring manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to take necessary measures to ensure products are not being placed on the market which they know could have harmful effects.

Products with inherent defects are liable to lawsuits. While retail items are most common in product liability lawsuits, products can vary from intangible items such as toxic vapors to natural items such as pets. Faulty navigational charts or real estate matters like defective siding are also included.

Claims can be based on three theories: defects in design, defects in manufacture, or defects in marketing. A defect of design occurs when the natural design of the product interferes with the safe usage of it. A defect of manufacture deals with the improper assembly of the product. Lastly, a defect in marketing happens when there is improper labeling such as incorrect instructions or failure to place proper warning labels on the product.

Depending on the jurisdiction, theories of liability which the plaintiff can pursue vary. The most popular include negligence, strict liability, and breach of warranty. In negligence, the plaintiff must prove the party liable should have detected the default if proper investigation was taken before the release of the product. However, in strict liability, all that must be demonstrated is the product to be defective. Breach of warranty involves a defect with the written warranty.

For more information regarding product liability law, please contact Stevens Point Personal Injury Attorney.