What is Product Liability?

What Is Product Liability?

Product liability is an area of law that holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers legally responsible when a defective product causes injury or death. Under product liability law, injured consumers may seek compensation for harm caused by unsafe or dangerous products.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, product liability is defined as:

“The legal liability a manufacturer or trader incurs for producing or selling a faulty product.”

In practice, product liability law protects consumers and ensures that companies are held accountable when they place unsafe products into the marketplace.

What Is a Product Liability Law?

Many people ask, what is a product liability law and how it works. Product liability law applies to everyone involved in the supply chain of a product, from design and manufacturing to distribution and sale.

This includes:

  • Manufacturers of component parts
  • Companies that assemble the final product
  • Wholesalers and distributors
  • Retailers and sellers

A product liability lawyer helps injured consumers pursue claims against any responsible party in this chain.

Who Can Bring a Product Liability Claim?

The subject of a product liability case is typically the person who was injured by a defective product. This may include:

  • The product’s owner
  • Someone who borrowed or was gifted the product
  • Individuals harmed while nearby during normal product use

A “product” is not limited to store-bought items. Product liability claims may involve:

  • Medical drugs and devices
  • Gas and chemicals
  • Household products
  • Vehicles and machinery
  • Pets and real estate-related products

Injuries caused by defective products can include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), burns, broken bones, electrocution, poisoning, PTSD, and other serious or life-altering conditions.

Types of Product Liability Defects

Understanding defect types is essential when evaluating a case with a products liability lawyer.

Design Defects

A defect in the product’s design that makes it inherently dangerous, even when manufactured correctly.
Example: An electric blanket that electrocutes users when set to the highest temperature.

Manufacturing Defects

Errors that occur during production, making an otherwise safe product dangerous.
Example: A vehicle sold without functioning brake pads.

Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn)

Inadequate instructions, warnings, or labeling.
Example: A medical drug that fails to warn pregnant users of known risks.

Product Liability Case Example: Philips CPAP Litigation

Philips CPAP product liability claims became part of a large class-action lawsuit after machines were linked to serious health risks. The foam used in the devices was found to degrade, allowing users to inhale or ingest toxic particles and carcinogenic gases.

The recall, issued in June 2021, affected an estimated 3–4 million devices. Many users were later diagnosed with cancer and other serious injuries, making this a significant product liability case handled by experienced product liability lawyers nationwide.

Do I Have a Product Liability Case?

You may have grounds for a claim if any of the following apply:

  • The product was mislabeled or lacked proper warnings
  • The product had a design or manufacturing defect
  • The product was marketed for improper or unsafe use
  • The defective product caused injury during normal use
  • The product was used in a reasonably safe and intended manner

Defective products often harm thousands or even millions of people, which may result in a class-action lawsuit handled by a qualified product liability lawyer in New York or other jurisdictions.

How to Prove a Product Liability Case?

A common question is how to prove a product liability case. Generally, the injured party must show:

  1. The product was defective
  2. The defect existed when the product left the defendant’s control
  3. The defect caused the injury
  4. The product was used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way

An experienced product liability lawyer NYC residents trust can gather evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case against manufacturers or distributors.

How to Win a Product Liability Lawsuit

People often ask how to win a product liability lawsuit. Success depends on:

  • Preserving the defective product as evidence
  • Documenting injuries and medical treatment
  • Proving the defect and causal connection
  • Working with a skilled product liability attorney
  • Early legal guidance is critical, especially before returning a product to the manufacturer.

How to Report a Product Defect؟

Before reporting a defect to a manufacturer, it is wise to consult a products liability lawyer near me. Manufacturers may request the product for inspection, which could eliminate key evidence needed for your claim.

A New York product liability lawyer can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and communicate with manufacturers on your behalf.

Why Choose KDLM as Your Product Liability Lawyer?

Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore (KDLM) has a proven record of success representing individuals injured by defective products. Our firm has secured:

Whether you are looking for a product liability lawyer in New York City, product liability lawyer New York, or guidance comparing firms nationwide—including searches such as Houston product liability lawyer, New Jersey product liability lawyer, or Philadelphia product liability lawyer—KDLM stands out for trial experience and results.

What Is the Highest Paid Type of Lawyer?

Many people wonder, what is the highest paid type of lawyer. Product liability and complex litigation attorneys often command some of the highest verdicts and settlements due to the scale of harm, corporate defendants involved, and technical expertise required in these cases.

Talk to a New York Product Liability Lawyer Today

Consumer product liability cases involve serious injuries, dangerous products, and powerful defendants. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective or improperly manufactured product, speak with a  New York product liability attorneys at KDLM today.

📞 Call (212) 618-6800
✅ Free, confidential consultation
❌ No fee unless we recover compensation for you