Faulty Consumer Products

When Products Go Wrong

Every day, Californians trust that the products they buy are safe. When a faulty appliance, tool, or household item causes harm, it can feel overwhelming and unfair. If you or someone you care about has been injured by a defective product, you’re not alone—many people face similar challenges across the state. At Attain Law, our team understands how quickly life can change after a product-related injury, and we’re here to help you navigate the next steps.

Faulty consumer products are just one area of product liability law. If your concern relates to medical devices, you may want to learn more about defective medical devices or dangerous drugs as well.

What Are Faulty Consumer Products?

A faulty consumer product is any item sold to the public that contains a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or lacks proper warnings, making it dangerous when used as intended. This could include:

• Electronics that overheat or spark
• Kitchen appliances that malfunction
• Toys that break easily, creating choking hazards
• Power tools with inadequate safety guards

These hazards can result in serious injuries, including burns, lacerations, electric shock, or worse. If you’ve suffered harm, you may have a legal claim under California’s product liability laws.

California Laws That Protect Consumers

California’s product liability laws are among the strongest in the country. Under the California Civil Code Section 1714.45, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held strictly liable if a product they sold was defective and caused injury. This means you don’t have to prove negligence—only that the product was faulty and led to your harm.

Federal regulations, such as those enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), may also apply if the defect violates national safety standards. For more information about other consumer safety issues, see our article on common dangers of malfunctioning appliances.

How Faulty Products Make It to Market

Despite strict rules, unsafe products sometimes reach store shelves due to:

• Design errors overlooked in testing
• Mistakes during manufacturing or assembly
• Inadequate warnings or instructions for safe use

For example, a kitchen blender missing a safety lock could cause deep cuts if used as directed. If you’d like to know how to prove a consumer product was defective, visit how to prove a consumer product was defective.

Steps to Take After an Injury

If you’ve been hurt by a faulty product, here’s what you should do:

• Seek medical attention right away
• Keep the product and all packaging as evidence
• Take photos of your injuries and the product
• Write down exactly how the injury happened
• Save receipts or proof of purchase

You’ll find more tips in top causes of faulty consumer product injuries.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In California, anyone in the product’s chain of distribution may be liable, including:

• Manufacturers (even of individual parts)
• Wholesalers and distributors
• Retailers who sold the item

If your child was injured by a toy, you may also want to review information about hazardous toys.

Understanding Damages

Victims of defective product injuries may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages if you’ve missed work
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

For a deeper look at compensation, check out understanding compensation in consumer product lawsuits.

How Attain Law Can Assist

Attain Law attorneys have experience guiding Californians through complex product liability claims. We conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and work to hold companies accountable. Our team can also help you explore related claims, such as those involving defective vehicle parts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Faulty Consumer Product Claims

What is considered a faulty consumer product in California? A faulty consumer product is any product sold to the public that is dangerous due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or lack of adequate warnings, causing injury when used as intended.

Who can be held responsible for a defective product injury? In California, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers involved in the sale of the defective product may be liable for injuries caused by that product.

Do I need to prove negligence to win a faulty product case in California? No. California law allows strict liability claims, so you only need to show the product was defective and caused your injury, not that the company was negligent.

What should I do if I’m injured by a consumer product? Get medical help, preserve the product and packaging, document your injuries, and contact a product liability attorney to discuss your options.

How long do I have to file a product liability claim in California? You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a product liability claim in California, but it’s best to act quickly to preserve evidence.

Get Trusted Guidance

If you’ve been hurt by a faulty consumer product in California, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Attain Law are ready to listen, explain your rights, and help you seek fair compensation. Call (888) 970-8627 or contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.