California Product Liability Attorneys Holding Manufacturers Accountable for Dangerous Products

Every day, California consumers trust that the products they purchase are safe to use as intended. Unfortunately, dangerous and defective products injure thousands of people each year, causing injuries that range from minor burns and lacerations to catastrophic harm and death. When a product fails due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warnings, the companies responsible for putting that product on the market should be held accountable.

Our product liability attorneys have extensive experience representing individuals and families harmed by defective consumer goods, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, children's products, and industrial equipment. We are prepared to take on even the largest manufacturers and corporations to secure justice for our clients.

Types of Product Defects Under California Law

California product liability law recognizes three primary categories of product defects:

• Design defects — the product's design is inherently unsafe, even when manufactured exactly as intended. Example: a vehicle with a center of gravity so high it is prone to rollovers during normal driving
• Manufacturing defects — a product departs from its intended design during production, making a particular unit or batch unsafe. Example: a medication contaminated with a harmful substance during production
• Marketing defects (failure-to-warn) — a product lacks adequate instructions or warnings about known risks. Example: a pharmaceutical company that fails to disclose dangerous side effects on its labeling

Strict Liability in California Product Cases

Under the landmark California Supreme Court decision in Greenman v. Yuba Power Products, Inc., manufacturers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective products regardless of whether they were negligent. Key points:

• Strict liability applies to every entity in the chain of distribution — designers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers
• An injured plaintiff only needs to prove the product was defective and caused their injuries — not that the manufacturer was careless
• California Civil Code Section 1714 further supports the right of injured individuals to pursue compensation

Common Dangerous Products That Lead to Litigation

• Defective motor vehicle components — faulty brakes, accelerators, airbags, tires, seatbelts
• Medical devices — artificial joints, surgical mesh, pacemakers
• Dangerous pharmaceuticals — undisclosed side effects or contaminated formulations
• Defective household appliances, power tools, and electronics causing fires or electrocution
• Children's products — toys with choking hazards, defective car seats

Compensation Available

• Medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Punitive damages — available under Civil Code Section 3294 when the manufacturer's conduct is found particularly reckless or willful

Contact Our Product Liability Attorneys Today

Product liability cases are complex and require extensive technical knowledge, expert testimony, and significant resources. Our firm has the experience, expertise, and financial capacity to take on major corporations and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve. If you have been harmed by a dangerous or defective product, contact us today for a free consultation.