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Product Liability Claims in California: Your Rights After an Injury from a Defective Product

[Product Liability]
8 July 2025

Product Liability Claims in California: Your Rights After an Injury from a Defective Product

We rely on thousands of products every day, from household appliances and toys to cars and medical devices. When these products are defective or dangerous, the consequences can be devastating. In California, consumers who are harmed by unsafe products have powerful legal rights. At California Trial Law Group, PC, our attorneys are experienced in product liability law and are dedicated to helping injured clients seek the justice and compensation they deserve.

What Is Product Liability?

Product liability is the area of law that holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when a product causes harm to a consumer. These laws ensure that companies design, produce, and sell products that are safe for their intended use. If they fail in this duty, and someone is injured as a result, they may be legally responsible for the resulting damages.

There are three main types of product defects recognized in California product liability cases:

  1. Design Defects:
    The product is inherently dangerous because of its design, even if it was manufactured correctly.
  2. Manufacturing Defects:
    The product was designed safely but a mistake occurred during production, making it unsafe.
  3. Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn):
    The product lacked proper instructions or warnings, leading to unsafe use.

Common Examples of Defective Product Cases

Product liability claims can arise from almost any type of consumer product. Common examples include:

  • Defective automobiles or auto parts (e.g., faulty brakes, airbags)
  • Dangerous children’s toys or products with choking hazards
  • Prescription drugs or medical devices with harmful side effects
  • Household appliances that catch fire or explode
  • Contaminated food or beverages
  • Unsafe tools or machinery

When these products malfunction or fail, they can cause injuries such as burns, fractures, lacerations, poisoning, or even wrongful death.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Product Liability Claim?

California law allows injured consumers to hold various parties accountable, including:

  • Product manufacturers
  • Parts or component manufacturers
  • Distributors and wholesalers
  • Retail stores

You don’t need to be the original purchaser to bring a product liability claim—anyone injured by the defective product may have a case.

Your Rights as a Consumer in California

If you’ve been injured by a defective product, you have important legal rights under California law:

  • Strict Liability:
    In many cases, you do not need to prove negligence. If the product was defective and caused your injury, those responsible can be held strictly liable.
  • Compensation for Damages:
    You may be entitled to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses.
  • Punitive Damages:
    In cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

What to Do After an Injury from a Defective Product

If you or a loved one is hurt by a dangerous product, take these important steps:

  1. Seek Medical Attention:
    Your health and safety come first. Get immediate medical care and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
  2. Preserve the Product:
    Keep the defective product, packaging, and receipts. Do not attempt to fix or alter the item, as it may be important evidence.
  3. Document Your Injuries and Losses:
    Take photos of your injuries and the product. Keep detailed records of all medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs.
  4. Do Not Communicate with the Manufacturer or Insurer:
    Avoid giving statements or signing anything without legal advice.
  5. Contact an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer:
    Reach out to California Trial Law Group, PC for a free case evaluation and guidance on your next steps.

How California Trial Law Group, PC Can Help

Navigating a product liability claim can be complex. Manufacturers and insurance companies often have large legal teams defending their interests. Here’s how our firm helps you:

  • Investigation:
    We thoroughly investigate the product, review your injuries, and gather evidence to build a strong case.
  • Expert Consultation:
    Our team consults with engineers, medical experts, and safety specialists to prove the defect and its link to your injury.
  • Aggressive Representation:
    We negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, pursue your case in court to seek maximum compensation.
  • Personalized Attention:
    Every client’s case is unique. We listen to your concerns and keep you informed throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a product liability claim in California?
Generally, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. However, deadlines may vary depending on the circumstances, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What if I was partially at fault for the injury?
California follows a comparative fault rule. You may still recover compensation, but your damages may be reduced by your share of fault.

Can I bring a claim on behalf of a child?
Yes. Parents or guardians can file product liability claims for injuries suffered by their children.

Contact California Trial Law Group, PC Today

If you have suffered an injury due to a defective or dangerous product, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. California Trial Law Group, PC is here to help you understand your rights, build a compelling case, and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today for a consultation and take the first step toward justice.

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.