Los Angeles Products Liability Lawyer

California product liability claims are generally based on strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty. Strict liability, recognized in Greenman v. Yuba Power Products, Inc. 59 Cal. 2d 57 holds companies in the distribution chain—including designers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—responsible when a defective product causes injury during reasonably foreseeable use. Negligence focuses on whether the manufacturer or seller failed to use reasonable care in designing, making, or selling the product. Breach of warranty claims arise when a product fails to meet express promises or implied assurances that it is safe and fit for ordinary use.

Product defects usually fall into three categories: Manufacturing defects, where a product is not manufactured according to its intended design. Design defects, where the product is inherently unsafe even though it was manufactured according to its intended design. And failure-to-warn defects, where inadequate instructions or warnings fail to alert consumers to foreseeable risks in the product.

Victims injured by defective products may recover economic and non-economic damages. Including medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases involving malice, oppression, or fraud, punitive damages may also be available.

The deadline to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit based on a defective product is generally two years from the date the injury occurred or was discovered. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery.

If you believe that you have been harmed by a defective product, contact Asobie & Associates, APC. No consultation fees. Product liability cases are handled on contingency.