SANTA CLARITA DEFECTIVE PRODUCT INJURY ATTORNEY
Product liability law in California, like in many other U.S. states, is a legal framework that holds manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and other parties responsible for injuries or damages caused by defective products. The main purpose of product liability law is to protect consumers from harm resulting from unsafe or faulty products. In California, product liability cases are typically based on one or more of the following legal theories:
- Negligence: Manufacturers, distributors, or retailers can be held liable if they were negligent in designing, manufacturing, or selling a product. This means that they failed to exercise reasonable care in ensuring the product's safety.
- Strict liability: California has adopted the doctrine of strict liability in product liability cases. Per strict liability law, the plaintiff (injured party) does not need to prove the defendant was negligent. Instead, they only need to demonstrate the product in question was defective and that the defect caused their injury or damages. There are three types of defects that can give rise to strict liability claims:
a. Manufacturing defects: These occur when a product deviates from its intended design due to an error or defect that occurred during the manufacturing process. It makes the product different from the others of the same type, making it dangerous.
b. Design defects: These involve flaws in the product's overall design that make it inherently dangerous, even if it was manufactured correctly. To succeed in a design defect case, the plaintiff must show that there was a safer and economically feasible alternative design available.
c. Marketing defects (Failure to Warn or Inadequate Instructions): Manufacturers and sellers have a duty to provide adequate warnings about a product's potential risks or dangers. If a product lacks proper warnings or instructions for safe use, and this omission leads to an injury, it can result in a product liability claim.
In California, the injured party can seek compensation for various types of injuries or damages resulting from defective products. These injuries can include:
- Physical injuries: This can range from minor injuries like cuts, bruises, or burns to severe injuries such as broken bones, internal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.
- Emotional distress: Some product liability cases may lead to emotional distress, especially if the injury is severe, debilitating, or life-altering.
- Property damage: If a defective product causes damage to personal property, such as a vehicle in the case of a defective car part, the affected party may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Economic losses: Product defects can lead to financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or future earning capacity if the injury results in a disability.
- Wrongful death: In the most tragic cases, defective products can lead to fatal injuries, resulting in wrongful death claims filed by surviving family members.
To pursue a product liability claim in California, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in this area of law. They can help assess the circumstances of the injury, identify liable parties, and navigate the legal process to seek compensation for the damages suffered due to the defective product.
Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case. He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.