Quick Takeaways
Product liability law allows injured consumers to seek compensation
You often do not need to prove negligence under strict liability
Defects fall into three main categories: design, manufacturing, and failure to warn
Multiple parties in the supply chain can be held responsible
These cases commonly involve serious or permanent injuries
An experienced Personal injury attorney can help navigate complex evidence and defenses
- find out more with Edvin Law
How Defective Products Hurt You — And How Product Liability Law Holds Makers Accountable
Every day, consumers rely on products to keep them safe, comfortable, and healthy — from household appliances and vehicles to medical devices and children’s toys. Most of the time, these products work as expected. But when a product is defectively designed, poorly manufactured, or sold without proper warnings, the result can be serious injury or even death.
Product liability law exists to protect consumers and hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable when unsafe products cause harm.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability is a legal doctrine that allows individuals injured by defective products to pursue compensation from the parties responsible for placing those products into the marketplace.
Unlike typical personal injury cases, many product liability claims are based on strict liability. This means the injured person does not have to prove that the manufacturer or seller was careless — only that:
The product was defective
The defect made the product unreasonably dangerous
The defect caused the injury
This legal standard shifts responsibility to companies that design, manufacture, and sell products, because they are in the best position to prevent harm.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Product liability claims often involve multiple defendants, including:
Manufacturers of the finished product
Manufacturers of component parts
Product designers or engineers
Distributors and wholesalers
Retailers who sold the product
Under many state laws, including Nevada’s, any party in the chain of commerce can be held legally responsible if the product was defective when it left their control.
The Three Main Types of Product Defects
To succeed in a product liability claim, an injured consumer must generally prove one of the following defect types.
1. Design Defects
A design defect exists when a product is inherently dangerous due to its design — even if it was manufactured exactly as intended.
Example:
A power tool designed without adequate safety guards, making injury likely even during normal use.
2. Manufacturing Defects
Manufacturing defects occur when something goes wrong during production or assembly, causing the product to differ from its intended design.
Example:
A toy with loose parts that break off and create a choking hazard.
3. Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn)
Some products are dangerous if used incorrectly — and manufacturers have a duty to warn users of known risks.
Example:
A medication sold without adequate warnings about serious side effects or interactions.
A lack of proper instructions or warnings can make an otherwise safe product legally defective.
How Product Liability Works in Practice
To establish liability, an injured person must typically show:
The product was defective when it left the defendant’s possession
The defect made the product unreasonably dangerous
The injury occurred while the product was being used in a reasonably foreseeable way
For example, if a household appliance overheats due to a design flaw and burns a consumer during normal use, the manufacturer may be strictly liable — even if it followed standard testing procedures.
In some cases, claims may also be brought under:
Negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care)
Breach of warranty (failure to meet promised safety or performance standards)
Why Strict Liability Matters
Strict liability protects consumers by:
Removing the burden of proving corporate carelessness
Preventing manufacturers from hiding behind internal safety claims
Encouraging safer product design and testing
The law places responsibility on companies because they control product safety — not consumers.
Common Examples of Defective Product Claims
Product liability cases frequently involve:
Defective vehicles or auto parts (brakes, airbags, tires)
Dangerous children’s products (cribs, car seats, toys)
Faulty electronics and appliances that cause fires
Medical devices or drugs with design or labeling defects
These injuries are often severe and life-altering, involving permanent disability or wrongful death.
Common Defenses in Product Liability Cases
Manufacturers may attempt to defend claims by arguing:
The product was misused in an unforeseeable way
The consumer knew and accepted the risk
The product was altered after it left their control
An experienced attorney can anticipate these defenses and gather evidence to counter them.
Your Rights as a Consumer
If you are injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses and rehabilitation
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Long-term or permanent injuries
Because these cases often require technical experts and detailed investigation, legal guidance is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I have to prove the manufacturer was negligent?
No. Many product liability cases are based on strict liability.
Q: Can I sue the store that sold the product?
Yes. Retailers can be liable as part of the distribution chain.
Q: What if I used the product normally?
Normal or foreseeable use strengthens your claim significantly.
Q: Are warning labels important?
Yes. Failure to warn is a common and powerful basis for liability.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
Deadlines vary by state. In Nevada, most product injury claims must be filed within two years.
Summary
Product liability law protects consumers when unsafe products cause harm. Whether the defect involves design, manufacturing, or missing warnings, companies can be held legally accountable — often without the injured person needing to prove negligence. These cases help compensate victims and encourage safer products for everyone.
Injured by a Defective Product? You May Have Legal Options.
📞 Call Edvin Jones, Personal Injury Attorney: 702-337-3430
🌐 Website: edvin.law
📧 Email: info@edvin.law
Edvin Jones helps injured consumers hold manufacturers and sellers accountable and pursue full compensation under product liability law.
