California Product Liability Lawyers

When you purchase a product, you trust it to be safe and effective. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Defective or dangerous products can cause serious injuries, turning trust into trauma. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we stand up for consumers harmed by such products, holding manufacturers accountable. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, helping you navigate the complexities of product liability law. Let us be your advocates, fighting for your rights and your recovery.

Our dedicated product liability attorneys provide unwavering representation to injured consumers. We have an impressive track record of securing compensation for our clients’ medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. Since 1995, we have won over $2 billion for our deserving clients.

If a dangerous or defective product has injured you or someone you love, CZ Law is here to help. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay for our services if we win your case. Contact us online or call (310) 273-1230 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation to explore your legal options.

What is Product Liability?

As consumers, we use hundreds of products every single day. We drive vehicles. We use electronic devices, home appliances, cosmetics, sports equipment, children’s toys, baby products, pharmaceuticals, and hundreds of other products that make our lives easier in many ways. 

However, in today’s expanding marketplace, there are numerous points along the global supply chain where dangerous or defective products can make their way into the hands of unsuspecting consumers. Many things can and do go wrong, resulting in injury or death to innocent consumers, including: 

• Design flaws
• Defective parts
• Manufacturing errors
• Misleading labels or marketing
• Defective packaging

Product liability law is a specialized area of law dealing with consumers harmed by dangerous and defective products. The goal is to apply pressure on every participant in the global supply chain, holding manufacturers, designers, retailers, and other entities accountable for the products they deliver to consumers. 

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries due to a defective product, you may be eligible to pursue a civil claim to recover financial compensation for your losses. 

Types of Product Liability Cases

Design Defects

Design defect cases arise when a product is manufactured according to specifications yet is inherently hazardous due to a design flaw. An example of a design defect is a toy designed for children with detachable small parts that increase the risk of choking. 

Manufacturing Defects

Manufacturing defects occur when a mistake in the production process results in an unsafe product. A manufacturing defect can be as simple as furniture missing screws or bolts or a more complex problem, such as improperly implemented technology like miscalibrated airbags or an automobile’s faulty fuel system.

Warning Label Defects

The law requires companies to provide adequate warning labels and instructions for customers so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to use the item. If a company provides misleading, incorrect, or inadequate information or fails to provide vital information, it may be liable if the product injures a consumer. For example, if a food manufacturer fails to list all ingredients on their packaging, even though some may contain known allergens, they could face product liability lawsuits.

Common Defective Products that Harm Consumers

• Automotive parts can have various defects, including faulty design, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warning labels and instructions. The manufacturer may be liable if these defects lead to an injury.
• Pharmaceutical drugs may be defective if they contain dangerous ingredients or fail to provide adequate warnings about potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
• Children’s toys are notorious for causing injury, including choking hazards, pinching hazards, exposure to lead or dangerous chemicals, etc. Toy manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products meet all applicable safety standards and are safe for children.
• Medical device manufacturers must ensure their products meet all applicable safety standards before releasing them to market. They must provide adequate warnings about potential risks associated with using their products. 
• Household appliances, such as microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators can also be subject to product liability claims if they cause harm to consumers.
• Tools and machinery, such as power saws, drills, lawnmowers, and other equipment, may have inadequate warning labels, faulty wiring, or design flaws that lead to fires or electric shocks. 
• Furniture such as chairs, couches, beds, and tables can also be subject to product liability claims if they have design defects, such as unstable legs that make them unsafe for use by consumers.
• Sports equipment, such as helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, etc., can be subject to product liability claims if they do not provide adequate protection from injury during use. 
• Food products can be subject to product liability claims if they contain hidden allergens (e.g., peanuts not listed on the label) or cause physical harm due to contamination (e.g., Listeria contamination). 

How Long Do I Have to File a Product Liability Lawsuit?

A California product liability case can be complex and involve a lengthy legal process. One crucial factor to consider when pursuing a product liability claim is the statute of limitations. As per state law, an injured party generally has two years to file a lawsuit, beginning with the date they knew or should have known of their injuries. Delaying the filing of your claim can result in losing the opportunity to seek compensation, which is why consulting with a skilled California product liability attorney as soon as possible is vital. 

Are Product Liability Cases Difficult to Win?

Proving Causation

To win a product liability case, you must show the product was defective or inherently dangerous and that the defect caused your injury. In addition to proving causation, you may also have to demonstrate that you took all reasonable steps in using and maintaining the product and adhering to any warnings provided by the manufacturer. 

Strict Liability Doctrine

In California product liability cases, the victim does not need to prove that the defendant acted negligently or intentionally. Under the legal doctrine of “strict liability,” any person or entity along the supply chain who participates in delivering a defective product to market is potentially liable. This strict approach to product liability benefits consumers, making it easier for them to obtain the compensation they deserve when a product harms their health or well-being.

Determining Fault in Product Liability Cases

While the burden to recover damages under product liability law is lower than in other personal injury cases, product liability cases are often highly complex. Proving a product is defective is not easy and requires significant investigation.

One issue encountered in product liability cases is determining fault. The defendant may shift blame onto other parties, such as suppliers, distributors, and retailers if those entities had some control over how the product was designed, manufactured, or marketed. These cases require a deep understanding of product liability and consumer protection laws and often pit injured victims against large companies with seemingly limitless resources.

Our California product liability lawyers have the necessary experience and skills to tackle intricate product liability claims. CZ Law maintains relationships with nationally known experts and medical professionals to benefit our clients. We have the resources to match the firepower of powerful corporations and their well-funded insurance companies, which do everything possible to avoid paying out on legitimate claims. Our award-winning product liability attorneys won’t back down until we deliver the compensation you deserve.

How Long Do Product Liability Cases Take to Resolve?

The length of time it takes to resolve a product liability claim varies depending on the severity and complexity of the case. Generally, minor claims with straightforward evidence can take six months to a year to settle. However, more complex cases involving multiple parties or extensive litigation may take several years to resolve. 

As with any lawsuit, product liability cases involve various stages. These include:

•  Identifying potential defendants and their insurance companies
• Gathering evidence
• Conducting discovery
• Participating in depositions and hearings
• Negotiating settlements
• Going to trial if necessary

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we strive to secure the maximum compensation possible while minimizing the time required to resolve your case. Our team of accomplished product liability lawyers and dedicated legal professionals will be with you every step—from the moment you file your lawsuit to the resolution of your case.

We Secure Justice When Products Injure Consumers

Our California product liability attorneys will fight determinedly to secure the compensation you need to heal. Whether your case involves a design defect, a manufacturing defect, or a failure to label a product correctly, we are prepared to represent you with unwavering ferocity and dedication. 

CZ Law has been protecting injury victims since 1995. During that time, we have won more than $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. You don’t need to shoulder the burden of your product liability claim alone. The highly experienced product liability lawyers at CZ Law are here to fight for justice on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery! 

Our experienced personal injury lawyers serve clients throughout California and beyond. We proudly maintain offices in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Orange County (Garden Grove), Irvine, San Diego, Bakersfield, and Seattle.

Contact the committed product liability attorneys at Carpenter & Zuckerman today to discuss your case. For a FREE consultation, complete our online contact form or call (310) 273-1230. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case!

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney. We highly recommend you speak to a qualified attorney if you require legal assistance. By reading this post, you agree this information is for informational use only and agree to hold Carpenter & Zuckerman harmless for any losses or damages resulting from this information. For more information, view our full disclaimer.