Injured by a Defective Product in California? Here’s What You Need to Know About Product Liability Claims

What Is Product Liability in California?

Product liability is a legal doctrine that holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible for putting unsafe or defective products into the hands of consumers. Under California law, victims injured by such products may pursue financial compensation—regardless of whether the company was intentionally negligent.

Unlike general personal injury claims, product liability operates under strict liability, meaning plaintiffs don’t have to prove negligence. Instead, they only need to show that the product was defective, the defect made it unreasonably dangerous, and that defect caused injury or death.

This legal protection is critical in a consumer economy where individuals rely daily on the safety of vehicles, appliances, medications, electronics, tools, and more.

Types of Defective Products That Can Trigger Lawsuits

While any product can potentially be dangerous, common culprits in product liability lawsuits include:

Auto parts (faulty airbags, brakes, tires, ignition systems)
Household appliances (heaters, blenders, space heaters)
Power tools and machinery
Children’s toys and furniture
Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications
Medical devices (hip implants, surgical mesh, pacemakers)
Food and beverages (contamination, improper labeling)

The injuries caused by defective products can be severe: burns, lacerations, bone fractures, organ damage, infections, and even wrongful death.

Three Main Types of Product Defects

California product liability cases fall into three major categories:

1. Design Defect

The product is inherently dangerous due to its design—even if manufactured correctly.
Example: A ladder that becomes unstable at its intended height due to flawed geometry.

2. Manufacturing Defect

The product was designed safely, but a mistake during production made it dangerous.
Example: A batch of medication contaminated due to improper sanitation at the factory.

3. Marketing Defect (Failure to Warn)

The product lacked appropriate instructions, safety warnings, or labels to inform consumers of risks.
Example: A sleep aid with no warning about dangerous interactions with alcohol.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a California Product Liability Claim?

Multiple parties in the product’s chain of distribution may be named in a lawsuit:

Manufacturers (of the product or component parts)
Designers or engineers
Wholesalers and distributors
Retail stores or online sellers
Foreign suppliers, if the product was imported

Liability can extend beyond the product creator if other parties contributed to the danger or failed to act responsibly during distribution.

How to Prove a Product Liability Claim in California

To win a product liability case, you and your attorney must prove the following elements:

The product was defective
The defect existed when it left the defendant’s possession
You used the product as intended (or in a reasonably foreseeable way)
The defect directly caused your injuries
You suffered actual damages (medical costs, pain, lost income)

At California Trial Law Group, PC, our legal team collaborates with engineers, medical experts, and consumer safety consultants to collect the evidence and testimony needed to build a strong case.

What Compensation Is Available in Product Liability Cases?

Victims of defective products are entitled to pursue full compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, which may include:

Emergency care and long-term medical treatment
Lost wages and future earning potential
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage
Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members

In extreme cases where corporate negligence is proven especially egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and prevent future harm.

The Challenges of Taking on Manufacturers

Large corporations often fight back aggressively in product liability lawsuits. They may attempt to:

Blame you for “misusing” the product
Claim the injury was unrelated or pre-existing
Deny the existence of any defect
Use complex legal teams to delay and frustrate your case

That’s why it’s essential to work with a law firm that has a deep understanding of California product liability law and the resources to investigate, negotiate, and litigate against large companies and their insurers.

Why Choose California Trial Law Group, PC?

At California Trial Law Group, PC, we believe companies that sell unsafe products must be held accountable—especially when people suffer life-changing injuries. Our approach includes:

In-depth product inspections and expert analysis
Transparent communication and guidance from start to finish
Skilled negotiation for maximum settlements
Trial-ready strategies when settlement isn’t enough

Led by experienced trial attorney Ike M. Kaludi, Esq., our team has helped victims throughout California stand up to major manufacturers and secure meaningful outcomes.

What Our Clients Say

"I hired Ike as my lawyer for my automobile accident that I was in in a ride-share vehicle Ike and his team were very caring patient and understanding with me Ike always kept me in the loop with what was going on with my case Ike and his time were always available no matter the day or night Ike is a very knowledgeable lawyer in his field You can't go wrong with Ike and his team Thank you so much Ike You and your team ROCK!!!" – JEANETTE DRISKELL

"I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional service provided by the California Trial Law Group From the moment I walked through their doors I knew I was in good hands My case was complex and emotionally taxing but the team at this firm approached it with professionalism expertise and compassion They guided me through every step of the legal process ensuring I understood my rights and options clearly It was through their attention to detail dedication and great communication that made me feel like I was a vital member of their team" – TRINIDAD ALCALA

Ready to Take Action? We’re Ready to Help.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective product, don’t wait. The law provides you with rights—but companies will not hand over compensation willingly. Let California Trial Law Group, PC guide you through this complex legal process and help you pursue the justice and recovery you deserve.