Every day, products should never jeopardize your safety. However, you may have a valid product liability claim if a defective or unsafe consumer item injures you. The law protects individuals harmed by poor design, manufacturing defects, or missing safety warnings in California. Understanding your rights and how to take legal action can impact your ability to recover damages.
You can hold negligent manufacturers accountable with the proper evidence and legal support and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Understanding the different types of product liability legal claims—whether related to design defects, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings—can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
What Is a Product Liability Claim?/blog/what-to-do-after-an-injury-protecting
A product liability claim allows injured consumers to hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable when a product fails and causes injury. These claims often stem from:
- Manufacturing defect injuries
- Product design defects
- Missing instructions or cautions
For example, the injured person may pursue legal action if an appliance explodes due to faulty internal wiring or a tool lacks safety instructions to prevent injury. These product liability cases are brought under the legal theory of strict liability. Under this theory, you don’t need to prove that someone was negligent to file a claim. You only have to prove that the defective product caused your injury.
Please read more about injuries in an accident here: What to Do if You’re Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in California
California courts recognize three primary types of product defects:
- Design defects – The product’s blueprint was unsafe from the start.
- Manufacturing defects – A flaw occurred during the production and manufacturing process.
- Labeling or marketing defects – Instructions or warnings were inadequate.
What You Must Prove in a Product Liability Claim
To build a strong product liability lawsuit, four key elements must be established:
- The product was defective – You must show a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or failure to provide proper warnings.
- The defect existed when it left the manufacturer’s control – It cannot have been altered or damaged after purchase.
- You used the product as intended – You used it as the manufacturer intended you would or in a way the manufacturer could reasonably anticipate.
- The defect directly caused your injury – it is not enough that the product was unsafe; it must have harmed you.
For example, if you were injured by a faulty appliance that short-circuited, you would need to present medical records, proof of purchase, and possibly expert testimony to confirm that the defect caused your injury.
Be sure to preserve the defective item and its original packaging. Photograph any injuries and save receipts, instruction manuals, and warning labels. These small steps can make a big difference in proving your claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
California law gives injured consumers the right to file a claim against anyone involved in the product’s distribution chain, including:
- The product’s manufacturer
- The parts manufacturer
- The packager or assembler
- The distributor
- The retailer
You do not have to prove exactly where the defect occurred. If multiple parties were involved in getting the defective product to market, any of them could be held responsible.
Under the legal theory of strict liability, you must prove that the product was unsafe when it left the party’s control and that it caused your injury. This legal standard helps protect consumers by placing the burden on companies to keep products safe at every stage of production and sale.
Common Examples of Faulty Product Compensation Claims
Product liability affects nearly every industry. At DJA Injury Attorneys, we have successfully handled cases involving:
- Defective equipment claims (e.g., malfunctioning gym machines)
- Injury from defective appliances
- Product malfunction injuries (such as exploding batteries)
- Product recall injuries (involving food, medications, or consumer goods)
- Labeling error injuries (missing allergen warnings or chemical hazard notices)
- Packaging defect harm (childproofing failures or unsealed containers)
Even a minor product flaw can cause serious harm. A mislabeled cleaner or a toy with a choking hazard may seem minor until someone gets hurt. When companies place products into consumers’ hands, they have a legal duty to provide safe products. Someone who is injured can hold the at-fault party accountable if that duty is breached. We help victims of unsafe products pursue justice and compensation for the harm they have endured.
Please read more about wrongful death compensation here: Understanding Wrongful Death Compensation in California
What Compensation Can You Claim?
If a dangerous product claim is successful, you may recover financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing or future treatment
- Lost income and reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering caused by the injury
- Property damage linked to the defective product
In the most tragic cases, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. The goal of a personal injury lawsuit of any kind is to help people move forward after a product-related injury.
Be aware that strict deadlines apply. In California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. If a government entity is involved, the deadline could be much shorter.
Consulting an attorney early can help protect your right to compensation and ensure all filing requirements are met. Do not wait until time runs out to explore your legal options.
Steps to Take After Being Injured by a Defective Product
Time matters after an injury caused by a defective product. Take the following steps to protect your legal rights:
- Seek medical care – Even if injuries seem minor, medical records will help document the harm.
- Keep the product – Do not throw it away.
- Photograph everything – Take pictures of injuries, the product, the packaging, and where you used it.
- Write down what happened – Include the time, date, and any witnesses.
- Avoid talking to insurers – Do not accept a settlement or sign anything until you speak to an attorney.
These steps can help preserve key evidence in your product liability claim. They also help your legal team assess the strength of your case.
Contact a Huntington Beach Product Liability Lawyer
Being injured by a product that malfunctions during use can upend your life. If you have suffered a defective product injury in Huntington, talk to an attorney who can handle these complex claims. At DJA Injury Attorneys, we help injured clients throughout Orange County hold companies accountable for dangerous, faulty products.
Our team is here to help you understand your rights and take the first step toward securing the necessary benefits. Contact our team here or call (949) 229-7228 today for a free case review. We are ready to fight for you.
Related Post
How Personal Injury Compensation Is Calculated in California