Types of Product Defects
Product liability claims generally fall into three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing or warning defects. A design defect starts at the blueprint stage, long before the product ever reaches assembly. An example is a power tool that lacks an essential safety guard, making the entire product line dangerous even when used properly. A manufacturing defect occurs when an otherwise safe design goes wrong during production. A batch of medical devices made with weaker components, or a toy assembled with missing screws, are common examples. Finally, warning or marketing defects involve hazards that are not properly explained to the consumer. Medication sold without adequate side-effect warnings or household chemicals that do not list safe-use instructions often fall into this category. Our Los Angeles lawyers evaluate these issues closely, relying on engineers, product-safety professionals, and industry experts to pinpoint exactly where the defect originated.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Product Defect?
Product liability cases often involve more than one responsible party. Depending on how the defective product moved through the marketplace, liability can extend to the manufacturer, the distributor, the wholesaler, and even the retailer that ultimately sold the product. Some cases involve multiple manufacturers, such as when one company designs the product but another produces individual components. In Los Angeles, large corporate defendants often push responsibility onto one another. This is where having a firm like LNN matters. Our firm routinely handles cases involving complex chains of distribution and understands how to identify every potential source of compensation. By naming all responsible parties, the legal team strengthens the claim and increases the likelihood of a full financial recovery.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Victims injured by defective products are often eligible to pursue a wide range of damages. These include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, prescription drug costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Severe cases that involve burns, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, or long-term disability can result in lifelong care expenses. California also allows recovery for property damage associated with the defective product, such as fire or explosion-related losses. LNN’s attorneys document the full impact of the injury, work with medical specialists to understand long-term needs, and present evidence that ensures the value of the case is not underestimated.
Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Claims
In California, most product liability lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury. Some cases involve delayed discovery, such as defective implants or dangerous drug reactions that only reveal themselves over time. In those situations, the two-year period usually begins once the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Claims against government entities or public hospitals may require far shorter notice deadlines, sometimes as little as six months. Because time limits can vary depending on the defendant, the nature of the product, and how the injury occurred, speaking with LNN as soon as possible is essential. Our product liability attorneys in Los Angeles help clients avoid missed deadlines and preserve crucial evidence before it disappears.
facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin
Youtube
Tiktok
600+ Google Reviews
