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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will my case cost me?

We operate on a Zero Fee Guarantee for personal injury and employment-related cases. This means that you don't pay any attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. In other words, if we don't win your case, you don't owe us anything. This is a common practice for plaintiff law firms and ensures that our clients can pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs.

Additionally, the cost of a consultation is free for personal injury and employment-related matters. You should feel confident contacting our firm to learn more about your case and how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries or employment issues.

Most of the attorney fees and litigation costs, when the case is successful, are typically covered by the money recovered from your case. However, it's important to note that if a client decides to terminate our services before a resolution is reached, they may be responsible for any attorney fees and litigation costs incurred up to that point. No recovery, no charge is our standard practice, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation without financial risk.

How do I choose the right attorney?

When selecting a legal professional to represent your case, it is important to find someone with high credentials, worthy memberships, and a proven record of obtaining success for clients. These are indicators of an attorney's dedication and skills. At California Trial Law Group, we hold membership on the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, the Alameda County Bar Association, California Employment Lawyers Association, and various other organizations dedicated to representing injured individuals and employees. Our lawyers have received high marks by clients and peers on Superlawyers and AVVO.

How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit?

Lawsuits are subject to California's statute of limitations; a set of laws that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Below are some common deadlines to watch for:

You must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident or the date you discovered the injury. If you are filing suit against a government entity for personal injury, you only have six months.

Aggrieved ex-employees who have been wrongfully terminated must file their claims within two years of termination. Even though California is an at-will state, employers cannot fire their employees for an illegal reason, such as their ethnicity, age, or gender.

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) discrimination claims are a two-step process because claimants have one year to file administrative complaints under the FEHA, and then an additional year to file a lawsuit after they receive a right-to-sue letter.

California Family Rights Act (CFRA) Retaliation Claims: Similar to FEHA, a person loses the right to file a lawsuit one year after the CFRA agency sends a right-to-sue letter.

Most unpaid wage claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. Under the Unfair Competition Law (UCL), the time period is extended to four years for unpaid wage claims under the Unfair Competition Law, while wage statement claims must be brought within one year.

How do I know if I have a claim?

If you were injured in a preventable accident or in connection with your employment, then you likely have reasonable cause for a claim. By contacting our firm, we can help you make this determination.

When should I contact an attorney?

Speak with a lawyer immediately after you seek medical help for your injury. Get the medical attention that you need, then contact an attorney about your legal rights and options. Your health is the most important thing, but your future, finances, and rights are important too.

How much is my case worth?

The value of a personal injury claim or lawsuit depends on a multitude of factors: the extent of your injuries, your medical expenses, your emotional damages, and more. If you missed work because of an injury, you can seek additional compensation for lost wages. Schedule a consultation with our firm to learn more about your legal opportunities after an accident.

How long will my case last?

The duration of any case is subject the particular circumstances of that case. We will be better able to answer this question after reviewing your case and determining how to best move forward. You can call our firm today for a free consultation.

Our firm is dedicated to your case and will take the time necessary to ensure that you receive all that you deserve, even if it does take years. We will take care of as much of the process as possible, so you don't have to lose valuable time and can focus on your medical treatment and recovering.

How do insurance companies calculate settlement offers?

Many insurance companies have a base equation that they use to calculate settlement offers. Unfortunately, this initial amount is usually insufficient because insurance adjustors usually try to save the insurance companies money . Thus, victims should not seek to close their case too quickly, but consult a personal injury lawyer to receive a fair offer. California Trial Law Group ensure that the insurance companies treat our client's fairly, that they not undervalue your case, and that you will ultimately receive a favorable settlement.

What types of compensation am I entitled to as a result of my injury?

You may receive compensation for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of earnings, property damage, and for other expenses you incurred. In the case of wrongful death, the family may receive an amount to cover the loss of future income as well as loss of companionship. As part of our service, we will discuss in detail an amount of compensation that you deserve and that we will fight for to obtain.

Do all lawsuits have to go to court?

No. Many cases are settled out of court. Our firm, however, is well prepared to take a defendant to court if they do not give our client the amount that we feel our client is entitled to.

What makes California Trial Law Group different from other firms?

We are a firm dedicated to serving the needs of our clients and your best interest come first and foremost. When you are looking for reliable, unyielding legal representation there is no better firm to turn to than California Trial Law Group.