Products Liability Lawyers

Products Liability Lawyers in the United States

Every year, defective products injure millions of Americans. The Consumer Product Safety Commission tracks roughly 29 million product-related injuries annually. When a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer puts a dangerous product on the market, they can be held financially responsible for the harm it causes.

What Products Liability Law Covers

Products liability law holds companies accountable when their products cause injury or death. Claims fall into three main categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn. A design defect means the product was dangerous before it was ever built. A manufacturing defect means something went wrong during production.

Failure to warn claims arise when a company doesn't provide adequate instructions or safety labels. These cases cover everything from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to vehicles, children's toys, power tools, and household appliances. Both individuals and entire classes of consumers can bring claims.

When to Hire a Products Liability Lawyer

• You suffered an injury or illness directly caused by a product you used as intended
• A defective medical device or pharmaceutical drug caused unexpected side effects or harm
• A product malfunctioned despite proper use and maintenance, resulting in property damage or bodily injury
• A loved one died due to a dangerous or defective product
• You received a product recall notice for an item that already harmed you

How the Process Works

Your attorney will first investigate the product and preserve evidence, including the defective item itself. Expert witnesses — engineers, toxicologists, or medical specialists — often examine the product to identify what went wrong. Your lawyer will also gather medical records, purchase receipts, and any recall notices tied to the product.

Most products liability cases are filed under strict liability, meaning you don't have to prove the company was careless — only that the product was defective and caused your injury. About 70% of these cases settle before trial. Cases against large manufacturers can take one to three years to resolve, though mass tort actions may take longer.

How Compensation Is Calculated

• Medical expenses — covers past and future treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription costs related to the injury
• Lost wages and earning capacity — accounts for income lost during recovery and any long-term reduction in your ability to work
• Pain and suffering — compensates for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
• Property damage — reimburses you for items destroyed or damaged by the defective product
• Punitive damages — awarded in cases where the manufacturer's conduct was reckless or intentional, meant to punish and deter future misconduct

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to prove the company knew the product was dangerous?

Not in most cases. Under strict liability theory, you only need to show the product was defective and that the defect caused your injury. You don't need evidence that the company acted negligently or had knowledge of the danger. Some states do require proof of negligence for certain types of claims, so the standard depends on your jurisdiction.

What is the deadline for filing a products liability claim?

Each state sets its own statute of limitations, typically ranging from two to four years from the date of injury. Some states apply a "discovery rule," meaning the clock starts when you first discovered — or should have discovered — the injury. Missing this deadline almost always bars your claim entirely, so acting quickly matters.