Can You Claim Breach of Warranty for Faulty Equipment?

When you purchase equipment—whether for personal use or your business—you expect it to work as promised. But what happens when it doesn’t? If your equipment fails due to defects or poor quality, you may have legal recourse through a breach of warranty claim.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what a warranty is, when you can sue for breach of warranty, and what steps to take if you’re dealing with faulty equipment.

What Is a Warranty?

A warranty is a promise from the seller or manufacturer that the product will function as intended for a specific period. If the product doesn’t meet those expectations, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund.

There are two main types of warranties:

• Express Warranty – A direct promise from the seller or manufacturer, often stated in writing, such as “This machine will work for five years or we’ll replace it.”
• Implied Warranty – An automatic legal protection that ensures a product is fit for its intended use, even if no written warranty is provided.

If faulty equipment fails to meet these promises, you may have grounds to claim a breach of warranty.

When Can You Sue for Breach of Warranty?

To successfully claim breach of warranty, you typically need to prove the following:

1. The product was covered by a valid warranty: Check your purchase agreement, product manual, or company website for warranty details.
2. The equipment failed or was defective: If the product does not work as expected, breaks prematurely, or has serious defects, it may qualify.
3. You followed all proper use and maintenance guidelines: If you used the equipment as instructed and it still failed, the issue likely lies with the manufacturer or seller.
4. You reported the issue within the warranty period: Many warranties have strict deadlines for reporting defects and filing claims.

If these conditions are met and the manufacturer or seller refuses to honor the warranty, you may have a strong legal case.

Common Industries Where Breach of Warranty Claims Arise

While faulty equipment can affect anyone, breach of warranty claims are especially common in:

• Construction: Defective tools, heavy machinery, or building materials
• Manufacturing: Faulty industrial machines or production-line equipment
• Medical & Healthcare: Malfunctioning medical devices or diagnostic tools
• Technology & IT: Defective hardware, servers, or specialized software
• Retail & Consumer Goods: Defective appliances or electronics

If equipment failure disrupts your business operations or causes financial loss, you may be entitled to compensation beyond a simple refund.

How to File a Breach of Warranty Claim for Faulty Equipment

If you believe you have a breach of warranty case, follow these steps:

1. Review the Warranty: Gather all documents related to the purchase, including contracts, receipts, and warranty information.
2. Notify the Seller or Manufacturer: Many warranties require you to report defects before pursuing legal action.
3. Document the Defects: Take photos, videos, and written notes detailing how the equipment failed.
4. Attempt a Resolution: If the company offers a replacement, refund, or repair, consider whether it meets your needs.
5. Consult a Business Litigation Attorney: If the seller refuses to honor the warranty, legal action may be necessary.

What Can You Recover in a Breach of Warranty Lawsuit?

If you sue for breach of warranty, you may be entitled to:

• Replacement or repair costs for the faulty equipment
• Refund of the purchase price
• Business losses caused by the defective equipment
• Legal fees in some cases

Many businesses and consumers don’t realize they have the right to pursue legal action when a seller refuses to honor a warranty.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Breach of Warranty Claim?

While some warranty disputes can be resolved directly with the manufacturer, larger claims—especially those involving businesses—often require legal representation.

A lawyer can help:

✔ Review your contract and warranty terms
✔ Determine if you have a strong claim
✔ Negotiate with the seller or manufacturer
✔ File a lawsuit if necessary

Warranties exist to protect you—but when companies refuse to uphold their promises, legal action may be the only way to get justice. At Ayala Law, we’ve successfully represented businesses and individuals in warranty disputes and other litigation matters.

If you’ve purchased equipment that turned out to be faulty, contact one of our attorneys at 305-570-2208. You can also email our attorney Eduardo A. Maura directly at eduardo@ayalalawpa.com.

We at Ayala Law PA are passionate about helping those in legal need, so please don’t hesitate to schedule a case evaluation with us online here.

[The opinions in this blog are not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with an attorney about the particulars of your case].