When Products Cause Harm
Everyday items should make life easier, not put you at risk. Unfortunately, thousands of Californians each year experience injuries from dangerous products, ranging from faulty appliances to unsafe toys. At Attain Law, we understand the frustration and uncertainty that follows an unexpected injury. If you’ve been harmed by a defective product, you’re not alone—California law gives you strong protections. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Incidents involving dangerous drugs or defective medical devices can have severe, lifelong consequences. Cases like these are complex, but you don’t have to face the process alone. If your injury happened in an accident—such as a car crash—caused by a faulty auto part, or your child was hurt by a hazardous toy, our attorneys are prepared to guide you through every step. Learn more about traffic accidents and medical malpractice if your case involves those areas as well.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability is the area of law that holds manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers responsible for injuries caused by unsafe products. In California, if you were hurt by a product due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warning, you may have a claim. Common product liability cases involve:
- Defective vehicle parts, like brakes or airbags
- Prescription drugs with dangerous side effects
- Medical devices that malfunction
- Household appliances that catch fire
- Toys with choking hazards
- Faulty consumer electronics
You’ll find more examples in our pages on faulty consumer products and malfunctioning appliances.
California’s Product Liability Laws
California law is consumer-friendly. Unlike some states, you don’t have to prove that a manufacturer was negligent. Instead, you only need to show:
- The product was defective
- You used it as intended (or in a foreseeable way)
- The defect caused your injury
California follows “strict liability,” meaning companies can be held responsible even if they took care during production. State law also allows claims based on failure to warn—if a product lacked clear instructions or warnings, you could have a valid case. Learn the details in our defective medical devices and dangerous drugs pages.
Federal regulations, such as those from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), also play a role, especially for drugs, medical devices, and children’s products.
Steps to Take After an Injury
If you or a loved one is injured by a defective product, acting quickly helps your case. Here’s what you can do:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Keep the product and packaging—don’t throw it away
- Take photos of the product, your injuries, and the accident scene
- Save receipts, warranties, and instructions
- Write down everything you remember about the incident
- Report the incident to the manufacturer or retailer, but don’t sign anything without legal advice
For specific guidance, see our article on how to prove a consumer product was defective.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
A successful product liability claim can help you recover for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Some cases involving especially reckless conduct may qualify for punitive damages. If a defective product results in a fatality, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim.
Our article on understanding compensation in consumer product lawsuits has more details on what you might recover.
Why Choose Attain Law?
Product liability cases often involve going up against major corporations and their insurers. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of both California and federal regulations. We handle claims involving everything from hazardous toys to defective vehicle parts. We know how to investigate, collect evidence, and build a strong case for fair compensation.
Take the Next Step
Don’t let a defective product leave you facing medical bills and hardship on your own. Call Attain Law at (888) 970-8627 or contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you and help you move forward.