California Product Liability Attorney
Champions for Victims of Defective Products
When you purchase a product, you expect it to be safe and reliable. But in California, thousands of people are injured each year by defective or dangerous products, from faulty appliances to unsafe medications. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a defective product, our dedicated California product liability attorneys are here to hold manufacturers, designers, and retailers accountable. We are committed to securing the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of your injury.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers to ensure their products are safe for consumers. When a product is defective and causes injury, those responsible can be held liable under California law. Product liability cases typically fall into three categories:
Design Defects
Flaws in a product’s design make it inherently unsafe, even if manufactured correctly. For example, a car with a poorly designed braking system.
Manufacturing Defects
Errors during production or assembly render a product dangerous, such as a contaminated batch of medication.
Failure to Warn
Inadequate instructions or warnings about a product’s risks, like missing labels on a hazardous chemical.
In 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 400,000 injuries linked to defective products nationwide, with California leading due to its large population and consumer activity. Our attorneys are skilled at identifying the type of defect and building a case to prove liability.
California Product Liability Laws
California’s product liability laws are designed to protect consumers and are primarily governed by strict liability principles, meaning you don’t need to prove negligence to win a case. Key legal frameworks include:
California Civil Code Section 1714
Establishes a general duty of care, holding companies liable for harm caused by defective products they design, manufacture, or sell.
Strict Liability Doctrine
Under California law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are liable for injuries caused by defective products, regardless of whether they were negligent. You only need to prove the product was defective and caused your injury.
Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA, California Civil Code Section 1750 et seq.)
Protects consumers from deceptive practices, such as false advertising about a product’s safety.
Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act
Provides protections for defective goods under warranty, allowing claims for repairs or replacements.
California’s pure comparative negligence rule applies, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault (e.g., misusing a product), though your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Common Types of Defective Products
California’s diverse economy means residents encounter a wide range of products, from tech gadgets to pharmaceuticals. Common defective products leading to injury include:
Household Appliances
Faulty toasters, heaters, or washing machines causing fires or electrical shocks.
Automotive Parts
Defective tires, airbags, or brakes leading to crashes or injuries.
Medical Devices
Malfunctioning implants, pacemakers, or surgical tools causing severe complications.
Medications
Contaminated or improperly labeled drugs resulting in adverse health effects.
Children’s Products
Dangerous toys or cribs with choking hazards or structural flaws.
Tools and Machinery
Defective power tools or industrial equipment causing cuts, amputations, or worse.
Our attorneys work with product safety experts, engineers, and medical professionals to analyze defects and prove how they caused your injury.
Compensation for Product Liability Victims
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and long-term rehabilitation.
Lost Wages
Income lost due to time off work or inability to return to your job.
Pain and Suffering
Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Compensation for reduced future earning potential due to permanent injuries.
Punitive Damages
In cases of egregious misconduct, such as knowingly selling a dangerous product, to punish the responsible party.
We meticulously calculate your damages, consulting with economists and medical experts to ensure every loss—present and future—is accounted for.
Challenges in Product Liability Cases
Product liability cases can be complex due to several factors:
Corporate Defenses:
Large manufacturers often have robust legal teams that argue the product was misused or the defect didn’t cause the injury.
Proving the Defect
Demonstrating a design or manufacturing flaw requires technical expertise and thorough investigation.
Multiple Parties
Liability may involve manufacturers, distributors, retailers, or even third-party suppliers, complicating the case.
Statute of Repose
California’s 10-year statute of repose for certain products may limit claims if the product was sold long before the injury.
Our attorneys overcome these challenges by conducting in-depth investigations, securing expert testimony, and analyzing product recalls, safety reports, and design records to build a compelling case.
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Vehicle-Related Accidents
Premises & Liability Cases
Serious & Catastrophic Injuries
Legal Deadlines for Product Liability Claims
Time is critical in product liability cases. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If the injury isn’t immediately discovered (e.g., harm from a medical device), the discovery rule may allow one year from the date you realized the injury was caused by the product. For claims against government entities, such as defective public equipment, you must file a claim within six months under the California Government Claims Act (Government Code Section 911.2).
Missing these deadlines can bar your claim, so contact our team immediately to ensure your case is filed on time.
Quick Tip: Keep the defective product, packaging, and receipts as evidence, and avoid repairing or discarding it until your attorney advises otherwise.
Steps to Take After a Product-Related Injury
To strengthen your product liability claim, take these steps:
Seek Medical Attention
Get treated promptly to address injuries and link them to the defective product.
Preserve the Product
Store the product, packaging, and any related items safely to serve as evidence.
Document the Incident
Take photos of the product, your injuries, and the scene where the injury occurred.
Gather Records
Keep receipts, warranties, and any correspondence with the seller or manufacturer.
Contact an Attorney
Consult a product liability attorney to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
Why Choose Our California Product Liability Attorneys?
Our law firm stands out for its commitment to victims of defective products:
Specialized Expertise
We have a proven track record of winning complex product liability cases against major corporations.
Thorough Investigations
We collaborate with engineers, product safety experts, and medical professionals to pinpoint defects and prove liability.
Relentless Advocacy
We negotiate aggressively with corporate legal teams and insurers, and we’re prepared to take your case to trial for maximum compensation.
Client-First Approach
We provide clear communication, personalized strategies, and emotional support throughout your case.
No Upfront Costs
Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact Our California Product Liability Attorneys Today
A defective product can turn your life upside down, leaving you with physical injuries, financial stress, and emotional trauma. Our experienced California product liability attorneys are here to fight for your rights, holding negligent companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused. Whether you’ve been injured by a faulty appliance, a dangerous drug, or a defective vehicle part, we’ll guide you through every step of the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let corporations evade responsibility. Call us today for a free consultation!