What Is Product Liability Under California Law?
Product liability refers to a manufacturer’s, distributor’s, or retailer’s legal responsibility for injuries caused by unsafe or defective products. Under California law, companies can be held liable when a product is placed into the stream of commerce and causes harm while being used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way.
California follows a strict liability standard in many product liability cases. This means an injured person does not always have to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and that the defect caused their injury. Product liability claims generally fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Design defects – The product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even when manufactured correctly.
- Manufacturing defects – The product deviated from its intended design due to an error during production.
- Failure to warn – The product lacked adequate warnings or instructions about known risks.
A California product liability attorney can evaluate which type of defect applies, identify responsible parties, and determine the strongest legal strategy based on the facts of the case.
Common Types of Product Liability Cases We Handle
Product liability claims can arise from a wide range of consumer, industrial, and medical products. Our California product liability attorneys represent individuals injured by defective or dangerous products across many industries, including:
- Defective vehicle components – Faulty airbags, brakes, tires, seatbelts, electrical systems, and other auto parts that fail and cause serious injuries.
- Dangerous medical devices – Implanted or wearable devices that malfunction, migrate, break, or were improperly designed or tested.
- Defective consumer products – Household items, electronics, tools, children’s products, and appliances that pose unreasonable safety risks.
- Industrial and workplace equipment – Heavy machinery, safety equipment, or tools that fail due to design or manufacturing defects.
- Pharmaceutical defects – Prescription medications with dangerous side effects that were not adequately disclosed or warned against.
Product liability cases often involve serious injuries, long-term medical care, or permanent disability. Identifying the type of defect and the product involved is a critical first step in determining liability and potential compensation.
What to Do If You Were Injured by a Defective Product
If you were injured by a defective or dangerous product, taking the right steps early can help protect both your health and your legal rights. Consider the following actions:
- Seek medical attention immediately
Your health comes first. Prompt medical care also creates documentation linking your injuries to the defective product. - Preserve the product and packaging
Do not repair, alter, or discard the product. Preserve it, along with manuals, warnings, receipts, and packaging, as it may serve as critical evidence. - Document the incident
Take photographs of the product, your injuries, and the scene where the incident occurred. Keep records of medical visits, expenses, and missed work. - Avoid discussing the incident with manufacturers or insurers
Statements made to companies or insurance adjusters may be used to limit or deny liability. - Consult a California product liability attorney
An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the product was defective, identify all responsible parties, and determine the appropriate legal strategy based on California law.
Product liability cases often involve complex investigations, expert analysis, and corporate defendants. Early legal guidance can help ensure evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a California Product Liability Case?
In California product liability cases, responsibility may extend beyond the manufacturer. Multiple parties involved in the production and distribution process can potentially be held liable for injuries caused by a defective product.
Depending on the facts of the case, liable parties may include:
- Product manufacturers – Companies that design or produce the defective product or its component parts.
- Distributors and wholesalers – Entities that supply or transport the product through the supply chain.
- Retailers – Stores or sellers that place the defective product into the hands of consumers.
- Component part manufacturers – Companies that manufacture defective parts used within a larger product.
California’s product liability laws allow injured consumers to pursue claims against one or multiple responsible parties. Identifying every liable entity is often essential to recovering full compensation, particularly in cases involving serious or catastrophic injuries.
What Compensation Is Available in California Product Liability Cases?
Individuals injured by defective products may be entitled to compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional harm they have suffered. In California product liability cases, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses – Past and future costs related to hospital care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost income – Wages lost due to time away from work, as well as diminished earning capacity caused by long-term injuries.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement – Damages for long-term or lifelong impairments caused by the defective product.
- Wrongful death damages – In fatal cases, surviving family members may seek compensation for loss of financial support, companionship, and funeral expenses.
The value of a product liability claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and the available evidence. A California product liability attorney can help evaluate potential damages and pursue full compensation under the law.
Why Choose ER Trial Lawyers for Your Product Liability Case
Product liability cases are complex. They often involve powerful corporate defendants, technical evidence, and expert testimony. Choosing the right legal team can make a significant difference in how a case is handled and resolved.
At ER Trial Lawyers, our attorneys focus on representing individuals and families harmed by defective products. We take a trial-ready approach to every case, preparing as though it will be presented before a jury-because thorough preparation strengthens negotiation leverage and courtroom outcomes alike.
When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- Trial-focused representation – We are not a settlement-only firm and prepare cases with litigation in mind from day one.
- Thorough investigation – We work with engineers, medical experts, and industry professionals to identify defects and establish liability.
- Personalized legal guidance – Every case is different, and we take the time to understand how an injury has impacted your life.
- No upfront legal fees – We handle product liability cases on a contingency basis, meaning there are no fees unless compensation is recovered.
Our goal is to hold manufacturers and other responsible parties accountable while helping injured clients pursue the compensation they deserve under California law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Product Liability in California
What qualifies as a product liability case in California?
A product liability case may arise when a consumer is injured by a product that is defectively designed, improperly manufactured, or sold without adequate warnings or instructions. Under California law, a product does not need to be negligently made to be considered defective.
Do I need to prove negligence in a California product liability case?
Not always. California follows a strict liability standard in many product liability cases, meaning an injured person may only need to prove that the product was defective and that the defect caused their injury.
Who can be sued in a product liability claim?
Depending on the circumstances, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and component part manufacturers may all be held liable for injuries caused by a defective product.
How long do I have to file a product liability lawsuit in California?
In most cases, California law requires product liability claims to be filed within two years of the date of injury. Certain exceptions may apply, so it’s important to consult a product liability attorney as soon as possible.
What types of damages can be recovered in a product liability case?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and-when applicable-wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
How much does it cost to hire a product liability attorney?
At ER Trial Lawyers, product liability cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and you do not pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered.
Speak With a California Product Liability Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured by a defective or dangerous product, you may have legal options under California law. Our attorneys can review your situation, explain your rights, and help determine the best path forward.
ER Trial Lawyers handles product liability cases on a contingency fee basis—there are no upfront costs, and no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.
Contact Our Firm to Learn More
If there is no recovery, then there are never any fees or costs to you.
