{"id":353343,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:51","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/product-liability-faq.html"},"modified":"2023-10-10T09:11:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-10T14:11:20","slug":"product-liability-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/product-liability-faq.html","title":{"rendered":"Product Liability Law FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Product Liability Law FAQ<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/oni-harton-j-d\/\">Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            October 10, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <div data-testid=\"loading-message\" data-fui-focus-visible=\"\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"chatMessageResponser9h\" class=\"___1yop6mf f336tjw f9ijwd5 fz7g6wx fod5ikn f1s184ao\" aria-live=\"assertive\">\n<div class=\"___1j4t0a1 f1lmfglv f1abmfm4\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-testid=\"markdown-reply\" data-message-type=\"Chat\">\n<div class=\"___stpibi0 f22iagw f1vx9l62 fk15e71 f1k953kz f137keqj f1rncccw f1stllg3 f1w4kmmc f1tric3v f10dk5ic fx8cdsv f16nlwsl f1eookvz fhjrts3 fqugt2f f10km5jb f18d18k8 f1v1vhmp f1hdmul3 f198vjnp f2dshw1 fjpjndq fnmj2pj ffrrb40 f1mon110 fhajzam fimndk6 fxv4dng fb1rn9k f59wlhv f1xmfh30 f18yf5o5 fmr6chf fw8qy2q ff161sd f1qr7t77 f1yyogn1 foogchg fp5872b f1tpb8gf f1hdgrc8 f1vatr43 frkxccd f9pdzkb f158oiaz ft5kggy f5l4ui7 f13j03li f18xdoka f8off4e f1go6zfc f128n2ra f1jpxw2j f1lwd9n0 fy0b8hm f1g2633v fx4kvgi fkvolse f1gxrt3a f1os76ua f1js9cnw f1g87ej0 freluf8 f1yggaq6 f2i3chp f1151osp florpoh f35kzfz ftp9m57 f1e288vi fz62hnz fixvuys f1nmofwh fc1c6mv f18a2er7 fhvkrdl fhxnn68 f1oce4bo fvhlfan f7tc0t0 f1ngf1n2 ffrzq6x f1yjiq2m f1aqdgql f1huvaf f10ij78l f1k94sa4 fkmfumq f1jvzkyl f1eu24ob f1xbfc1f fmf0lwf f107dsy8 f3w566c f4648sl f13zpkng f7unjfp f8p1rz fzu6h1w f1i1bi6h f1smo7hi f1sk1xod f1kgogdq f1gjktkp ft608jz f19dd9cz fg3xr24 fhd155k f1b8gl2e fg4b9ou flb4lo fdicbfk fgwcyh1 f1jbds0d f1fb9uea f1stuka4 fcrtu6g fwqh0xn f11w66yg f6e0e65 f1vvgu0 f1607507 f1m9bycv f1ntoah8 f1b694rt faql4r2 fpjuhzh fmavl6h\">\n<p>Product liability law holds manufacturers, designers, and sellers accountable when defective products cause harm to consumers. Claims can be based on strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty, and state laws govern the procedures and timelines for filing these lawsuits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"___r3ho0x0 fyxfkj9 f1w1vubc f1mpe4l3 f1jlpb2r f1a3p1vp f1mk8lai frkrog8 fz5stix\" aria-live=\"assertive\" data-testid=\"announced-message\"><\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people are familiar with the term &#8220;product liability.&#8221; However, not many people understand how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/legal-basis-for-liability-in-product-cases.html\">product liability claims<\/a>\u00a0work. Most claims filed under product liability law in the U.S. involve negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty.<\/p>\n<p>For the most part, your state&#8217;s product liability regulations govern dangerous and defective product cases. But these laws vary by state. So does the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/time-limits-for-filing-product-liability-cases-state-by-state.html\">statute of limitations<\/a>, which dictates how long an injured party has to file their legal claim.<\/p>\n<p>If an unsafe product harms you or a\u00a0loved one, you may have a cause of action against the manufacturer of the product, the company that designed the faulty product, and any other member of the chain of distribution.<\/p>\n<p>This article answers frequently asked questions surrounding product liability laws and lawsuits. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/products-liability-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">product liability attorney<\/a> near you can also answer your questions and provide tailored legal advice.<\/p>\n<h2>What does\u00a0product liability\u00a0mean?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/what-is-product-liability.html\">Product liability<\/a>\u00a0refers to a manufacturer or seller being liable for placing a defective product into a consumer&#8217;s hands. This liability flows to all members of the product&#8217;s distribution chain.<\/p>\n<p>Your product liability attorney will ensure they name all potential defendants in your initial claim. This may include some or all of the following parties:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Manufacturer<\/li>\n<li>Manufacturer of component parts<\/li>\n<li>Product designer<\/li>\n<li>Wholesaler<\/li>\n<li>Retail store<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As long as your attorney files suit within the time limit prescribed by law, you can make a claim to recover compensation for your injuries.<\/p>\n<h2>Are there federal product liability laws?<\/h2>\n<p>State law controls the enforcement of your legal rights after using a defective or dangerous product, as there are no federal laws governing product liability. These state laws come from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uniformlaws.org\/acts\/ucc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Uniform Commercial Code<\/a>\u00a0(UCC). There are no federal product liability laws at this time.<\/p>\n<h2>What are your options if you&#8217;re injured by a product?<\/h2>\n<p>A person injured by a defective or dangerous product may be able to file suit to recover damages under one of three theories. The first is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/proving-fault-in-a-product-liability-case.html\">strict product liability<\/a>. Under this theory, you do not need to prove the defendant was negligent. All you have to show is that you purchased or used their product and that the product injured you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/negligence-background.html\">Negligence<\/a>\u00a0is the standard in most personal injury cases. To prove negligence, your attorney must demonstrate the following four things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The manufacturer, designer, retailer, or distributor owed you a duty of care<\/li>\n<li>They breached this duty<\/li>\n<li>You suffered an injury<\/li>\n<li>The defective or unsafe product caused your injuries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The third theory you can sue under is a\u00a0breach of warranty. When a company sells a product to a consumer, it makes certain promises. They promise the item will work the way they designed it to work.<\/p>\n<p>The company also promises that the product is safe. If the defendant breaches these warranties, they may be liable for economic and non-economic damages.<\/p>\n<h2>What is strict product liability?<\/h2>\n<p>Strict product liability\u00a0is a theory that governs most product liability cases. As briefly explained above, in strict liability cases, the victim doesn&#8217;t have to prove negligence. They must prove that the defendant supplied them with the product that caused them harm.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/what-is-strict-liability-how-does-it-affect-injury-lawsuits\/\">Strict liability<\/a>\u00a0may apply to cases based on a faulty manufacturing process or those based on marketing defects.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I sue based on a product supplier&#8217;s breach of warranty?<\/h2>\n<p>There are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/what-are-express-and-implied-warranties.html\">two types of warranties<\/a>: implied warranties and express warranties. You might be able to recover for a breach of an implied warranty if your state has implied warranty statutes. These are usually found in a state&#8217;s commercial code and cover most categories of products.<\/p>\n<p>You might recover for a breach of express warranty if the seller or manufacturer of a product expressly extended a warranty to you, in writing or verbally, and the product injured you.<\/p>\n<h2>What are implied warranties?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/what-is-an-implied-warranty-.html\">Implied warranties<\/a>\u00a0apply to most products sold within the state. Some examples of implied warranties include the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/warranty-of-merchantability-fitness-for-a-particular-purpose-.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">warranty of merchantability<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.\u00a0These warranties state that a product will be fit and safe for its intended purpose.<\/p>\n<h2>Can a manufacturer avoid liability with a disclaimer?<\/h2>\n<p>There are very specific rules regarding manufacturer disclaimers. Essentially, a company must\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/are-product-liability-disclaimers-effective.html\">disclaim<\/a>\u00a0any warranties that are implied under state law. The manufacturer must use specific and conspicuous language.<\/p>\n<p>If the manufacturer successfully disclaims all implied warranties, you cannot recover for a breach of such warranties. However, you should not make this determination yourself. Show <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/proving-fault-in-a-product-liability-case.html\">your attorne<\/a>y the documents that came with the product. They can determine if a breach exists.<\/p>\n<h2>Can you use evidence of the safety modifications to prove your product liability case?<\/h2>\n<p>The law is clear on this issue. Generally, you cannot use evidence of\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/wex\/subsequent_remedial_measures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">subsequent remedial measures<\/a>\u00a0to prove negligence or intent. However, the plaintiff can use it to show other facts about the manufacturer, such as ownership or control over the product&#8217;s design.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I bring a case if I do\u00a0not own the product?<\/h2>\n<p>Historically, a contractual relationship, known as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/litigation-disputes\/privity-of-contract-necessary-in-order-to-claim-breach-of-implied.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">privity of contract<\/a>,\u00a0had to exist between the person injured by a product and the supplier of the product in order for the injured person to recover damages.<\/p>\n<p>In most states today, however, that requirement no longer exists, and the injured person does not have to be the purchaser of the product in order to recover.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I file a claim for injuries caused by a prescription drug or medical device?<\/h2>\n<p>You can sue under product liability if you&#8217;re hurt or become sick after using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/pharmaceutical-drug-liability.html\">prescription medication or medical device<\/a>. Many of the class action lawsuits filed today involve these types of products. As with other product liability claims, you can demand compensation for the following losses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medical bills<\/li>\n<li>Future medical costs<\/li>\n<li>Emotional distress<\/li>\n<li>Pain and suffering<\/li>\n<li>Lost wages<\/li>\n<li>Lost future income<\/li>\n<li>Property damage<\/li>\n<li>Punitive damages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When you first retain your lawyer, they will review the evidence to see if you have a valid claim.<\/p>\n<h2>What if a product&#8217;s defect only caused property damage?<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes, a plaintiff sues the manufacturer or retailer for property damage. For example, if a manufacturing or design defect destroys your car, you may receive compensation for its fair market value.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I file a claim on behalf of a loved one who died as a result of a defective product?<\/h2>\n<p>You may have a legal claim if your loved one was injured or passed away after using a dangerous or defective product. It depends on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/wrongful-death.html\">wrongful death<\/a>\u00a0laws in your state. It&#8217;s best to talk to an experienced product liability attorney to determine your options.<\/p>\n<h2>How long do I have to file a product liability claim?<\/h2>\n<p>Every state has rules about how long you have to sue another party. Product liability cases fall under the personal injury statute of limitations. This is why you should <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/products-liability-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney<\/a> as soon as possible after your injury. You want them to have ample time to prepare and pursue your case.<\/p>\n<h2>Can a product liability lawyer help?<\/h2>\n<p>You may be entitled to compensation if you&#8217;re injured while using a dangerous or defective product. Depending on the facts of your product liability claim, you may be entitled to the damages outlined earlier in this section.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s no guarantee that you will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/economic-recovery-for-accidents-and-injuries.html\">recover damages<\/a>. However, if your attorney can prove that a design defect existed or that there was a manufacturing defect, you&#8217;ll have a good chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.<\/p>\n<p>Product liability lawsuits are typically complex, so you&#8217;ll want to talk with an attorney for legal advice before moving forward.<\/p>\n<p>Visiting FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/products-liability-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">product liability lawyers<\/a> is a good first step. Select your state or city to review contact and ratings information for local experts. Then, reach out to a trusted legal advisor. They will be your most important advocate throughout your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n       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