If you were injured by a defective product, you might be overwhelmed by sudden pain, financial stress, and uncertainty about what to do next. Whether it was a faulty kitchen appliance, dangerous medication, or malfunctioning vehicle part, these incidents can cause serious—and sometimes long-lasting—harm. You may wonder who is responsible and how to hold them accountable.
Establishing liability in San Diego product liability cases requires a deep understanding of the law and the item in question. You may need legal assistance to understand your rights, assess your case, and fight for compensation. An experienced attorney could investigate the cause of the defect, identify liable parties, and navigate the complex legal system on your behalf. Working with a private firm such as ours may give you the personalized attention and depth of experience you need during this difficult time.
Product liability cases typically involve one of three main types of defects: manufacturing, design, and marketing (also known as failure to warn). A person harmed by a faulty item could work with an attorney to determine which type of defect caused their injury.
A manufacturing defect occurs when a properly designed product becomes unsafe due to an error during production, such as a batch of contaminated baby formula or a cracked bicycle frame. In contrast, a design defect affects the entire product line and often stems from poor planning or testing. Examples include airbags that deploy with excessive force or toys that pose choking hazards.
Marketing defects involve insufficient warnings or unclear instructions. For instance, if a medication fails to list dangerous side effects or a power tool lacks proper user guidelines, injured consumers may have grounds to file a claim. In these cases, a San Diego lawyer could analyze evidence to determine whether the product was unreasonably dangerous and who may be liable.
San Diego follows the state’s strict liability rule for many product liability claims, meaning an injured person does not have to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused harm. However, that does not mean these cases are easy to win. Establishing fault still requires compelling evidence and a clear connection between the defect and the injury.
A skilled attorney could gather relevant documentation, including purchase records, medical reports, expert analyses, and witness statements. They could also help identify which party or parties to name in the suit. Depending on the case, liability might fall on the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or even a third-party contractor.
California Civil Code Section 1714.45 provides guidance on when manufacturers may be exempt from liability, especially if a product meets public safety standards or was inherently unsafe but properly labeled. However, the burden still lies with the defense to prove these exemptions apply. An experienced product liability attorney could counter these arguments and advocate for your best interests.
People injured by dangerous products may be entitled to recover damages for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. These may include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost income, and property damage, along with compensation for pain and suffering.
In especially egregious cases, such as those involving corporate negligence or reckless disregard for consumer safety, you may also pursue punitive damages. A lawyer could evaluate your situation and determine the types of damages you may be eligible to recover. They could also ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of injury for personal injury cases.
A knowledgeable legal team in San Diego could give your case the best chance to win accountability from large product manufacturers or distributors who might otherwise evade responsibility.
Many people need assistance with establishing liability in San Diego product liability cases. If you were harmed by a dangerous or defective product, a lawyer could help you fight for justice. From investigating the cause of your injury to building a strong legal claim, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we could help you pursue compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.
