Consumers trust that the products they buy—whether medications, vehicles, household appliances, or children’s toys—are safe to use. However, defective products can cause serious injuries, illnesses, and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous or defective product in San Diego, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
A San Diego product liability lawyer can help you hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for selling unsafe products. This article explores California product liability laws, common defective product claims, and how an attorney can help victims seek justice.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for injuries caused by their defective or unsafe products. Companies have a duty to ensure that the products they sell are properly designed, tested, and labeled for safe use.
When a company fails to meet these obligations, they can be held legally responsible for injuries, deaths, and financial losses caused by their products.
Types of Product Defects
There are three main types of defective product claims:
- Defective Design
- The product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even when used correctly.
- Example: A car model with a faulty braking system that increases crash risks.
- Manufacturing Defects
- The product was designed safely, but errors during manufacturing made it unsafe.
- Example: A child’s toy with lead paint that exposes kids to toxic chemicals.
- Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects)
- The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about potential dangers.
- Example: A prescription drug without proper warnings about life-threatening side effects.
Common Product Liability Cases in San Diego
Defective products can cause severe harm in various ways. Some of the most common product liability claims include:
Dangerous Drugs & Medical Devices
- Defective medications (e.g., Zantac, Ozempic, Elmiron) causing cancer, organ damage, or long-term illness.
- Faulty medical implants (e.g., metal hip replacements, pacemakers) leading to health complications.
Defective Auto Parts & Vehicles
- Faulty airbags (e.g., Takata airbag recall) that explode and cause injuries.
- Brake or accelerator malfunctions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Unsafe Consumer Products
- Household appliances that catch fire due to electrical malfunctions.
- Children’s products (e.g., cribs, strollers, toys) with choking hazards or toxic materials.
Industrial & Workplace Equipment
- Faulty power tools leading to serious workplace injuries.
- Defective safety gear, such as helmets or harnesses, failing to protect workers.
Contaminated Food & Beverages
- Foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated meat, vegetables, or packaged foods.
- Toxic chemicals in baby formula leading to severe health issues in infants.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a dangerous or defective product, a San Diego product liability lawyer can help hold negligent companies accountable.
How to Prove a Product Liability Case in California
To win a product liability lawsuit, your attorney must prove:
- You were injured or suffered financial loss.
- The product was defective (either in design, manufacturing, or warnings).
- The defect directly caused your injury (even if you were using the product as intended).
- You were using the product correctly at the time of the injury.
California follows a strict liability rule, meaning that victims don’t need to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused harm.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Defective Products?
Several parties may be held responsible for dangerous and defective products, including:
- Manufacturers: Companies that design and produce faulty products.
- Distributors: Wholesalers or suppliers who sell defective goods.
- Retailers: Stores that knowingly sell hazardous products to consumers.
In some cases, multiple parties may share liability for injuries caused by defective products.
Compensation Available in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims of defective products may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future).
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress and trauma.
- Loss of quality of life.
Punitive Damages
- Awarded in cases of gross negligence, such as when companies knowingly sell unsafe products.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Claims
Victims of defective products must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of injury.
- If the injury was not immediately discovered, victims have one year from the date they realized the harm.
- If the case involves wrongful death, the lawsuit must be filed within two years of the victim’s passing.
Acting quickly ensures that you don’t lose your right to compensation.
How a San Diego Product Liability Lawyer Can Help
A San Diego product liability attorney has the experience and resources to:
- Investigate the Product: Analyze manufacturing records, product recalls, and safety reports.
- Gather Expert Testimony: Work with engineers, medical professionals, and industry experts to prove the defect.
- Handle Insurance Companies: Negotiate with manufacturers and insurers for maximum compensation.
- File a Lawsuit: If necessary, take the case to trial to fight for justice.
Recent Product Liability Settlements in California
Several high-profile defective product cases in California have resulted in major settlements:
- Roundup Weed Killer Lawsuit – $10.9 Billion Settlement
- Victims developed cancer due to glyphosate exposure.
- Takata Airbag Recall – $1.5 Billion Settlement
- Exploding airbags caused fatal injuries in auto accidents.
- Zantac Cancer Lawsuit – Over $1 Billion in Settlements
- Heartburn medication was linked to various types of cancer.
These cases highlight the serious consequences of defective products and the importance of holding companies accountable.
Choosing the Best Product Liability Lawyer in San Diego
When selecting a San Diego product liability lawyer, consider:
- Experience: A strong track record in product liability and personal injury cases.
- Resources: Access to medical experts, engineers, and investigators.
- Reputation: Positive client reviews and high success rates.
- Contingency Fees: Many attorneys work on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Contact a San Diego Product Liability Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries due to a defective product, you deserve justice. A San Diego product liability lawyer can help you file a claim, fight for compensation, and hold negligent companies accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
References
- California Legislative Information. (2024). California Product Liability Laws. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2024). Product Recalls and Safety Alerts. Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov
- Food and Drug Administration. (2024). FDA Drug Recalls and Warnings. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2024). Defective Auto Parts and Vehicle Recalls. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov
- American Bar Association. (2024). Product Liability and Consumer Rights. Retrieved from https://www.americanbar.org
