MAIN Home Legal Guide Personal Injury Product Liability

Injuries caused by defective or dangerous products often make headline news. For that reason alone, product liability law is probably the most familiar to consumers and laypersons.

In short, product liability law governs consumer protection from dangerous or defective products from manufacturers or distributors, wholesalers or retailers.

Laws may vary in the U.S. from state to state regarding who may be responsible down the supply chain, with the burden of proof either weighing more heavily on either the plaintiff, or on the companies who bring such products to market, depending on the jurisdiction.

Typical product liability cases involve defects that begin at the design or manufacturing phase; as a "marketing defect" (arising from a lack of reasonably clear warning labels or instructions that may result in injury); or as outright negligence on the part of the manufacturer.

Around the Web, find out more about product liability law with more information on famous or landmark cases, consumer's legal rights under the law, as well as current news and the latest product recalls ....

More about product liability law around the Web:

Products Liability Law: an overview - Discussion on what defines product liability in the US with related resources explaining negligence and the Uniform Commercial Code, from the Cornell University Law School.

Defective and Dangerous Products - Legal Issues - FindLaw guide including a brief overview and the basis for liability law, a definition of "unavoidably unsafe" products, and information on time limits for filing product liability cases by US state.

Help Center - Defective & Dangerous Products - InjuryBoard.com guide to dangerous consumer products and autos, what to do in the event of an accident, how to staty safe, and related news headlines.

A Short History of Product Liability Law - An essay chronicling its origins citing 19th century landmark cases, and how liability law has evolved up to the present day.

Recalls and Product Safety News - The latest press releases from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

also see -> Class Action Lawsuits

Toy Safety Tips

The information provided on these pages is intended as reference
only and does not constitute professional legal advice.