Defective Products Attorney in Los Angeles, California

When you purchase a product, you have a right to expect that it will be safe for its intended use. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured each year by items that are flawed in their design, manufacturing, or marketing. If a defective product has caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation.  

Pursuing a claim against a large corporation can be a difficult process, but with proper legal support, you can hold negligent companies accountable and secure the resources needed for your recovery. 

Led by Attorney Andrew Antaramian, Antaramian Law, APC, provides dedicated legal representation for California residents harmed by unsafe products. The firm serves clients across Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, and Kern Counties. Call today.

Understanding Product Liability Claims

Product liability is the area of law that holds manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers responsible for injuries caused by the products they make or sell. When a product fails to perform safely, the consequences can be severe, resulting in significant physical, emotional, and financial harm. These cases are not just about receiving payment; they are about promoting public safety and compelling companies to prioritize consumer well-being over profits. 

A successful product liability claim demonstrates that the product was defective and that this defect directly caused the injury. These cases are often complicated, requiring a thorough understanding of legal principles and the ability to challenge well-funded corporate legal teams. As your law advocate, Antaramian Law, APC, can gather evidence, consult with product specialists, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Types of Product Defects

In California, product liability claims generally fall into one of three categories. Identifying the type of defect is a key step in building a case against the responsible parties. 

Design Defects 

A design defect exists when a product is inherently dangerous, even if it is manufactured perfectly according to its specifications. The flaw is in the product's blueprint. To prove a design defect, it must be shown that there was a foreseeable risk of harm that could have been avoided or reduced by adopting a reasonable alternative design.

For example, a car model that is prone to rolling over during sharp turns or a children's toy with small, detachable parts that present a choking hazard could be considered to have a design defect. The entire product line is affected by this type of flaw. 

Manufacturing Defects 

A manufacturing defect occurs during the production process. Unlike a design defect, the product's design may be perfectly safe, but an error in its creation makes a specific unit or batch unsafe. This could be due to a mistake on the assembly line, the use of substandard materials, or poor quality control.

Examples include a batch of prescription drugs contaminated with a foreign substance, a bicycle with a cracked frame, or an airbag that fails to deploy because of an assembly error. In these cases, only a portion of the products manufactured are flawed. 

Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn) 

Marketing defects, also known as "failure to warn," happen when a product is sold without adequate instructions or warnings about its potential dangers. Even if a product is designed and manufactured correctly, it can be considered defective if the company fails to inform consumers about non-obvious risks associated with its use.

This includes providing clear instructions for safe operation and warning about potential side effects or hazards. A typical example is a powerful cleaning agent sold without a clear warning about the need for ventilation or the dangers of mixing it with other chemicals. 

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In a defective product case, liability can extend to multiple parties along the chain of distribution. This can include: 

• The manufacturer: The company that designed and built the product. 

• The distributor: The wholesaler or entity that transports the product from the manufacturer to the retailer. 

• The retailer: The store or online platform that sold the product directly to the consumer. 

Essentially, any party involved in bringing the product to the market can be held responsible for the injuries it causes. This broad scope of liability helps give consumers the best chance to recover damages, even if the original manufacturer is based in another country or is no longer in business. Your attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your chances of a successful outcome. 

California Laws Governing Defective Products

California has some of the most consumer-friendly product liability laws in the country. The state primarily operates under the doctrine of "strict liability." This legal standard simplifies the process for an injured person to seek compensation. 

Under strict liability, you do not need to prove that the manufacturer or seller was negligent. Instead, you only need to establish three key elements: 

1. The product had a defect (design, manufacturing, or marketing). 

2. The defect existed when the product left the defendant's possession. 

3. The defect was a substantial factor in causing your injuries when the product was used in a reasonably foreseeable way. 

This means that a company can be held liable even if it took great care in designing and producing the item. The focus is on the condition of the product itself, not on the company's behavior. This doctrine recognizes that manufacturers and sellers are in the best position to prevent defects and should bear the financial responsibility when their unsafe products cause harm. 

California's statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim based on a defective product is generally two years from the date of the injury. If you don't file a lawsuit within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation forever. It is important to act quickly to protect your legal rights.