California Products Liability Lawyer

Defective and dangerous products can cause serious injuries when they are placed into the stream of commerce without proper safety testing, warnings, or quality control. California products liability law allows injured consumers to pursue compensation when a product’s design, manufacture, or labeling makes it unreasonably dangerous. These cases often involve complex legal and technical issues, including corporate liability, expert analysis, and detailed investigation into how a product failed.

This page provides an overview of products liability claims in California, including the types of defects that may give rise to liability, who may be held responsible, and what injured consumers should understand before pursuing a claim.

Holding Manufacturers and Distributors Accountable

Consumers have the right to expect that products sold in California are reasonably safe when used as intended or in a foreseeable manner.

When a product fails due to a design defect, manufacturing defect, or lack of adequate warnings, the consequences can be severe.

Products liability law exists to hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable when unsafe products cause preventable harm.

Understanding California Products Liability Law

Products liability cases often involve complex legal standards, technical product issues, and large corporate defendants. Understanding how California law applies to defective and dangerous products can help injured consumers make informed decisions about their rights and options.

The video below provides a practical overview of products liability claims, including common types of product defects, how responsibility is determined, and why early investigation and evidence preservation are critical in these cases.

What Is a Products Liability Claim?

A products liability claim arises when a defective or unreasonably dangerous product causes injury. Unlike ordinary negligence cases, California products liability law often focuses on the condition of the product itself rather than the conduct of the injured consumer. In many cases, injured individuals do not need to prove carelessness, but instead must show that the product was defective and caused harm.

Types of Product Defects

Products liability cases generally fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Design defects – the product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even when manufactured correctly
• Manufacturing defects – the product deviates from its intended design during production or assembly
• Failure to warn – inadequate instructions or warnings about known or foreseeable risks

Common Products Involved in Liability Claims

Defective products may be found in many settings, including homes, workplaces, vehicles, and public spaces.

Products liability claims may involve:

• Motor vehicles and vehicle components
• Consumer electronics and batteries
• Household appliances
• Tools and industrial equipment
• Children’s toys and baby products
• Medical or consumer devices

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Products liability claims often involve multiple defendants.
Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to:

• Product designers
• Manufacturers and assemblers
• Component part suppliers
• Distributors and wholesalers
• Retailers who sold the product

California law recognizes that all entities involved in placing a defective product into the market may share responsibility for injuries caused by that product.

Damages in Products Liability Cases

Injuries caused by defective products can lead to substantial losses.

Depending on the facts, a products liability claim may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses and future treatment
• Rehabilitation and long-term care needs
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life

California Products Liability Questions and Answers

Do I have to prove negligence in a products liability case?

In many California products liability cases, the focus is on whether the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous, not whether the manufacturer or seller acted negligently.

What if I misused the product?

Products are expected to be safe when used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way. If the misuse was foreseeable, liability may still exist depending on the circumstances.

Does a product recall affect my claim?

A recall does not prevent an injured person from pursuing a products liability claim. In some cases, a recall may help demonstrate that a product was unsafe.

What should I do after being injured by a defective product?

Preserving the product, its packaging, and any instructions or warnings is often critical. Photographs, receipts, and medical records can also play an important role in evaluating a claim.

Are there time limits to file a products liability claim in California?

Yes. California law imposes deadlines on injury claims, and certain cases may involve additional notice requirements.
Delaying action can result in lost evidence or missed deadlines.

A Methodical Approach Matters in Products Liability Cases

Products liability cases often require careful investigation, expert review, and detailed documentation. Manufacturers and insurers frequently defend these claims aggressively, making preparation and evidence preservation essential.
A well-prepared claim focuses on how the product failed, why it was unreasonably dangerous, and how that failure caused injury.

Discuss a California Products Liability Claim

Injuries caused by defective or dangerous products can have lasting physical, financial, and emotional consequences. Before accepting any settlement or disposing of a product involved in an injury, it is important to understand how California products liability law applies to your situation.

A careful review of the facts can help determine whether a product defect, inadequate warning, or manufacturing failure may support a claim.

Understanding how California products liability law works is an important first step for individuals injured by defective products.

This page serves as a statewide resource for those seeking information about product-related injury claims.