If you were injured by a defective product in Hollywood, California law may allow you to recover compensation without proving that anyone was careless. Under the state’s strict liability rules, manufacturers, distributors, and sellers can be held responsible when a dangerous defect causes injury. Understanding how these claims work can help you protect your right to compensation from the start.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability is the area of law that holds businesses accountable for injuries caused by unsafe products. California was one of the first states to adopt strict product liability, which means an injured person generally does not have to prove the company was negligent. Instead, the focus is on whether the product was defective and whether that defect caused the injury.
Product liability claims can involve almost anything people use every day, including:
- Vehicles, tires, and auto parts
- Electric scooters, e-bikes, and batteries
- Household appliances and power tools
- Children’s toys, cribs, and car seats
- Medical devices and prescription drugs
- Space heaters, chargers, and other electronics
What Are the Three Types of Product Defects?
Most product liability cases fall into one of three categories:
- Design defects: The product is dangerous because of how it was designed, meaning every unit carries the same risk. A vehicle prone to rolling over is a common example.
- Manufacturing defects: The design is safe, but something went wrong during production. A batch of brake pads made with faulty material would fall into this category.
- Failure to warn: The product carries a risk that is not obvious, and the company failed to provide adequate instructions or warnings about it.
Some cases involve more than one type of defect, and an experienced attorney can help determine which theories apply to your situation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Defective Product?
In California, liability can extend to every business in the product’s chain of distribution. Depending on the case, responsible parties may include:
- The manufacturer of the finished product
- The maker of a defective component part
- Distributors and wholesalers
- Retailers, including some online sellers
This matters because it gives injured people more than one path to compensation, especially if the manufacturer is located overseas or has gone out of business. Learn more on our product liability page.
What Compensation Is Available?
Defective products can cause serious harm, from severe burns to traumatic injuries. Victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, future care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. When a defective product causes a death, family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. For life-altering harm, our catastrophic injuries page explains how long-term losses are evaluated.
What Evidence Should You Keep After a Product Injury?
The product itself is often the most important piece of evidence in your case. After an injury, try to:
- Keep the product in its current condition and do not attempt to repair it
- Save the packaging, instructions, labels, and receipt
- Take photos of the product, your injuries, and the scene
- Write down how the product was being used when the injury happened
- Keep copies of all medical records and bills
Most California personal injury claims must be filed within two years, so it is wise to speak with an attorney early, before evidence is lost or discarded.
Speak With a Hollywood Product Liability Attorney
Product liability cases often involve large corporations with powerful legal teams. At Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn, we have decades of experience standing up to manufacturers and insurance companies on behalf of injured clients throughout Los Angeles. You will have a dedicated case manager handling your claim, and you never pay a fee unless we recover money for you. Call (310) 209-1600 today to schedule your free consultation and learn about your legal options.
