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What Makes a Product Defective Under California’s Liability Laws?

by: adminOn: May 15, 2025

A product defect isn’t just a sign of poor workmanship — it’s a potential safety hazard. Defective products can have far-reaching consequences for consumers, ranging from minor injuries to severe financial losses.

Fortunately, the Golden State has a strict measure in place to protect those affected. It’s called the California Product Liability Law, and empowers you to hold the at-fault parties responsible and claim damages in the case of untoward incidents.

But before we get there, a few questions need to be asked. For one, what constitutes a defect in the first place? Additionally, how does the product liability statute protect consumers?

As a leading law firm in Glendale, Pogosyan Law has the answers. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about filing for settlement.

Understanding California Product Liability Law

Under California state law, any person responsible for developing, making, or distributing defective products can be held liable for damages.

In the event that you or a loved one has been injured by such an item, it’s crucial that you contact a defective product lawyer in Glendale within 2 years of the injury. This is because California law allows a limited window to file a defective product claim. To be eligible, you’ll need to prove that the product was defective when you purchased it, along with evidence that the injury was a direct result of the defect.

However, since those responsible for the product are usually held under strict liability, you do not need to prove any negligence on their part. This measure was introduced to simplify liability claims for injured parties.

That said, the defective product claim must still include details about the type of product, how it was advertised, and what you used it for.

What Makes a Product Defective?

In California, defective products are understood as those that pose a risk to the consumer, despite being used in a reasonably foreseeable manner. These flaws can be introduced at any stage of a product’s lifecycle, but to be eligible for compensation, they must fall under one of the following three categories.

Design Flaws

Some defects are present from the outset — at the blueprint or concept stage.

Even if this product is manufactured perfectly, its inherent design flaws could render it unsafe for consumption or use. A product’s design could also be considered defective if it can be proved that its benefits do not outweigh the risk of danger.

In such cases, every unit in the production line shares the same flaws. This is especially serious as it could affect thousands of consumers.

Some prominent examples of design flaws include:

  • A child’s toy with a choking hazard
  • An unstable piece of furniture
  • An SUV that’s prone to rolling over

Manufacturer Flaws

A manufacturing defect, on the other hand, occurs when the design is safe, but an error or oversight during the assembly process renders a unit defective.

This means that only some of the products manufactured are dangerous, typically due to lapses in quality control, use of substandard materials, or equipment malfunctions. In this case, the liability will fall squarely on the shoulders of the manufacturer.

Some prominent examples include:

  • Contaminated food or medicine
  • Faulty brakes on a car
  • A household appliance with low-quality parts

Improper Warnings

Products that lack adequate instructions, warnings, or safety guidelines when sold could also be considered defective in court. All manufacturers and distributors have a legal duty to warn consumers about risks that aren’t immediately obvious, especially when the potential for misuse is foreseeable. The product itself may not be defective, but the court will examine whether the warning was clear and visible.

Some examples include:

  • A drug that’s sold without a list of side-effects
  • A toxic cleaning product without instructions on how to use safely
  • Fire-prone appliances or products that are sold without warnings

If any of these cases apply to you, it’s crucial that you document the defect and injury with photographs and medical records, and consult with a legal professional to help file a defective product lawsuit. You can contact us to schedule a free case evaluation.

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Who Can Be Held Responsible for Defective Products?

As mentioned, California product liability law follows the principle of strict liability, meaning the injured party does not need to prove negligence — only that the product was defective and caused harm. The court may hold one or multiple parties responsible, including:

  • Manufacturers: Responsible for defects introduced during the design or assembly process, including use of faulty materials or lack of quality control.
  • Wholesalers: Can be liable for distributing defective products without proper inspection, or mishandling during transit and storage.
  • Retailers: May be held accountable for marketing or selling defective products to consumers, even if they didn’t create the item, or know about the defect.

In some cases, the court can also decide to hold the suppliers who provided the raw materials accountable. Similarly, medical professionals who advocate the use of a dangerous drug or advertisers who promote a flawed product could be liable.

Common Product Defects in California

Flawed products can take many forms, but some appear more often than others in California defective product cases. The list includes:

  • Unsafe Prescription Drugs: Medications that are improperly labeled, lack adequate testing, or trigger unlisted side effects.
  • Auto Parts: Vehicles sold with faulty brakes, airbags, or steering components.
  • Medical Devices: Pacemakers, implants, or surgical tools that malfunction and cause injury or complications.
  • Household Appliances: Items like microwaves or blenders that are particularly prone to electrical fires.
  • Children’s Products: Toys with small detachable parts, lead paint, or unsafe designs that pose choking risks.
  • Electronics: Phones, laptops, or batteries that explode or overheat due to design or manufacturing flaws.
  • Food and Beverage: Products that were contaminated during processing or packaging, and have the potential to cause food poisoning or allergic reactions.

One point to remember is that these are just a few examples. Several other defects that result in injury, illness, or property damage may also be covered by the products liability law.

Know Your Rights with Pogosyan Law

As a resident of California, you should know that any injury caused by defective products may entitle you to compensation.

Damages claimed could either be economic, non-economic, or punitive, depending on the extent of your injuries, as well as the inherent flaws in the product.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of product defects in California, it’s crucial that you seek medical attention immediately, document everything, and reach out to a personal injury attorney in Glendale.

If you need any more information about what evidence you need to collect or how to improve your chances when seeking defective product settlements, get in touch with the Pogosyan Law team today.

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