When a victim has been injured by an unsafe or hazardous product, they may want to be familiar with their legal options and remedies that may be able to help them with the damages they have suffered as a result of a dangerous or defective product. Products liability law is an important protection for victims of dangerous and defective products and knowing how it works is helpful for injured victims.
When a victim has been injured by a dangerous or defective product, they may be able to make different legal claims for damages depending on the situation and circumstances. Different legal theories upon which a products liability claim for damages may be based include negligence; breach of warranty; or a products liability claim based on strict liability. Strict liability claims, by definition, do not require a showing of negligence.
Products liability refers to the liability of the manufacturer, seller and others when a defective or dangerous product has been placed in the hands of a consumer. All parties in the chain of distribution of the dangerous or defective product may be liable to the victim for the injuries they have suffered. Potentially liable parties can include the manufacturer; manufacturer of component parts; wholesaler; distributor; and retailer of the product. This is to ensure the reasonable expectation of the consumer that they will be safe when using an everyday product is met and that they are protected.
Products liability claims can help victims with their physical, financial and emotional damages but they can also be complex. Because there is so much to understand, victims of a dangerous or defective product should ensure they are familiar with the legal options protecting them when they have been harmed.