Defective Product Liability Laws: Know Your Rights and Legal Options

Legal Representation for Consumers Harmed by Dangerous Products | Call Impact Attorneys at 818-350-2349

Every day, consumers trust that the products they use are safe—whether it’s a household appliance, a child’s toy, a power tool, or a medical device. But when manufacturers, distributors, or retailers cut corners in design, testing, or warning consumers, these everyday items can cause life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective or dangerous product, California law gives you the right to hold the responsible parties accountable.

At Impact Attorneys, we advocate for individuals and families who have suffered injury, illness, or financial loss due to dangerous or defective products. We’re not afraid to take on major corporations, and we have the experience to help you secure the justice and compensation you’re entitled to under product liability law.

What Is Product Liability Law?

Product liability law allows injured consumers to seek compensation when a product causes harm due to its design, manufacturing, or marketing. These laws are based on the principle that companies who make or sell products to the public have a legal duty to ensure those products are reasonably safe. When they fail to meet that duty, they can be held financially responsible for the damage caused.

There are generally three types of product liability claims: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects. A design defect involves a flaw in the product’s original blueprint that makes it inherently dangerous, even when made correctly. A manufacturing defect refers to mistakes that occur during the production process, such as a cracked component or contaminated batch. Marketing defects, also known as “failure to warn,” occur when the company fails to inform users about potential risks or provide proper instructions for safe use.

Common Products That Lead to Injury Claims

While any product can be defective, some categories are more frequently involved in product liability lawsuits. These include automotive parts like airbags or brakes, prescription medications and medical devices, children’s products and toys, household electronics, cleaning chemicals, and industrial tools or machinery.

What makes these cases especially concerning is that the injuries often could have been prevented with proper safety testing or honest labeling. Many manufacturers are aware of potential dangers long before a recall is ever issued. In fact, some companies choose to keep selling defective products until lawsuits or consumer outrage forces them to stop.

Your Right to Compensation Under California Product Liability Law

California has some of the most consumer-friendly product liability laws in the country. If you’ve been injured by a defective product, you don’t need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent—only that the product was defective and that it caused your injury while being used as intended or in a foreseeable way.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care. If your injury has led to permanent disability or impacted your quality of life, you may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In the most serious cases, where the product caused a fatal injury, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.

At Impact Attorneys, we conduct a full investigation into how and why the product failed. We gather evidence from internal documents, expert engineers, medical professionals, and safety investigators to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Whether through settlement negotiations or trial, our goal is to maximize your recovery and hold negligent corporations accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

One of the unique aspects of product liability law is that multiple parties can be held responsible. This includes the product’s designer, the manufacturer, any company involved in assembling the product, and even the retailer that sold it to you. Liability may extend through the entire supply chain, especially if it can be proven that one or more parties knew of the defect but failed to take action.

In some cases, liability may also involve foreign manufacturers, third-party sellers (such as those operating on Amazon or other marketplaces), or shipping companies that mishandled the product. Our legal team can help you identify every possible source of compensation and navigate the complexities of cross-border or multi-defendant litigation.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Product Liability Claim?

Product liability cases are complex and often hotly contested by defense attorneys representing deep-pocketed corporations. You may be pressured to accept a low settlement offer or be told that your case has no merit. That’s why you need a law firm that understands the science, the strategy, and the stakes involved.

At Impact Attorneys, we don’t back down. Our team has decades of experience in high-impact litigation against major manufacturers and distributors. We understand how to gather compelling evidence, present expert testimony, and deliver a strong argument in court. Most importantly, we’re here to advocate for you when you feel overwhelmed, unheard, or uncertain about your legal options.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. If there is no recovery, there is no fee.

Don’t Wait—Protect Your Rights

Time is limited. California’s statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally two years from the date of injury, although this timeline can vary depending on when the defect was discovered. Waiting too long to file could result in losing your right to compensation altogether.

If you suspect that a defective product caused your injury or illness, don’t wait for a recall or for the company to admit fault. Take action now.

Call Impact Attorneys at 818-350-2349 for a free, confidential consultation. Our team will listen to your story, review your case, and help you understand your options. You deserve answers. You deserve accountability. You deserve a team that’s ready to fight for you.

Let us help you hold negligent manufacturers accountable—and start your path toward recovery.