When Is a Manufacturer Liable for a Defective Product? Key Legal Standards Explained

Imagine buying a product that you trust will work as intended, only to have it cause you harm due to a defect. It’s a scenario no one wants to face, but defective products injure thousands of people and their property every year.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key legal standards for manufacturer liability, helping you understand your rights and what steps to take if you’re dealing with a defective product. 

What Does Manufacturer Liability for a Defective Product Mean?

Manufacturer liability refers to the legal responsibility a company has when its product causes harm due to defects in design, manufacturing, or marketing. These cases typically fall under products liability law, which is governed by both federal and state statute. The purpose of products liability law it to ensure that companies are held accountable for producing and selling unsafe or malfunctioning products. It’s important to remember when dealing with defective products, liability can extend to other parties in the supply chain, such as distributors and retailers.

Examples of Real-Life Product Liability Cases Litigated by Ayala Law

Case 1: Exploding Grills: Ayala Law brought a case on behalf of its client and a class of consumers who purchased grills from a producer. The Complaint alleged that the grills themselves were defectively designed as they did not allow for adequate ventilation for runoff liquid propane to dispel resulting in spontaneous combustion. You can read more about this case here. 

Case 2: Defective Gene Sequencing Unit: Ayala Law filed a lawsuit on behalf of its client alleging that the client paid over $300,000 for genetic sequencing equipment which was ultimately unusable. You can read more about this case here:

What Are the Types of Defects That Can Lead to Liability?

To determine whether a manufacturer is liable, it’s essential to understand the types of defects that can make a product dangerous:

1. Design Defects

• A design defect occurs when the product is inherently unsafe due to its design. Even if the product is manufactured correctly, the design itself makes it dangerous.
• Example: A household cleaning spray’s formula is discovered to expose users to cancer and other health complications.

2. Manufacturing Defects

• These defects happen during the production process, resulting in a product that doesn’t meet design specifications.
• Example: A batch of bicycles constructed with a missing connection in the brake line due to a manufacturing error.

3. Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn)

• Also called “failure to warn” or “inadequate instructions,” these defects occur when a product lacks proper warnings or instructions to ensure safe use.
• Example: A medication that doesn’t include warnings about dangerous side effects.

When Is a Manufacturer Strictly Liable for a Defective Product?

Florida follows a strict liability standard in product liability cases. This means that you don’t have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent; you only need to show that:

• The product was defective.
• The defect caused your injury.
• You were using the product as intended.

Strict liability makes it easier for injured consumers to hold manufacturers accountable without needing to prove fault or negligence.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Product Liability Case?

If you successfully prove your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• The Product Itself: Costs for replacing or reimbursing the user for a defective product.

• Medical Expenses: Costs for treating injuries caused by the defective product.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, you may also receive punitive damages to punish the manufacturer.

Need Help with a Defective Product Case? Contact Us!

If you or a loved one has been purchased what you believe to be a defective product, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. At Ayala Law, we specialize in holding manufacturers accountable for defective products, and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve while guiding you through every step of the legal process.

If you need legal help with this issue, 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].