When we buy a product, we expect it to work as advertised and not cause harm.
Unfortunately, sometimes defective or dangerous products still make their way into homes, vehicles, and workplaces more often than people realize. These products pose serious risks, from malfunctioning electronics to hazardous children’s toys. Locals injured by unsafe items often turn to a Redondo Beach product liability lawyer to hold manufacturers, retailers, and other responsible parties accountable.
These cases demand legal insight, a sharp understanding of liability law, and a commitment to client advocacy. That is exactly what the Frost Law Firm provides for its clients. When you have questions about a defective product, we want to hear from you.
Product Liability Law in California
Product liability is a type of personal injury law focusing on defective or unsafe products.
California law gives consumers several options to seek compensation when harmed. The legal doctrine of product liability operates on the principle that companies that design, manufacture, or sell products owe a duty to the public to ensure their items are safe for their intended use. They may be financially liable when they breach that duty and someone suffers harm.
California follows a strict liability standard for many product defect cases. This means that an injured person doesn’t always need to prove negligence. Instead, they only need to show that the product was defective when used as intended and that the defect caused their injury.
This shifts the burden on the company responsible for the product’s condition and safety.
Three Types of Product Defects
In product liability law, attorneys often categorize product defects into three major types: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects.
- Design defects happen when the product is unsafe due to its design, even if it was manufactured correctly.
- Manufacturing defects happen when a flaw arises during production, making a particular item dangerous.
- Marketing defects, also referred to as failure to warn, involve inadequate instructions or missing warnings about potential dangers associated with the product’s use.
For instance, if a car airbag fails to deploy due to a design flaw, that’s a design defect. If one batch of pressure cookers explodes because of a mistake on the assembly line, that’s a manufacturing defect.
And if a medication lacks a warning label for known side effects, that’s a marketing defect. Identifying the nature of the defect is key to building a strong legal case.
Common Injuries from Defective Products
Dangerous products can lead to a wide variety of injuries, some of which may require long-term treatment or result in permanent damage.
Consumers have suffered burns from exploding electronics, lacerations from shattered glass, respiratory issues from toxic chemicals, and head trauma from faulty helmets. The injuries may be physical, emotional, or financial, often affecting more than one aspect of the victim’s life.
The consequences can be devastating when a child’s toy is unsafe, or a household appliance catches fire.
Beyond the immediate physical injuries, victims also experience stress, lost income from time off work, expensive medical bills, and long-term rehabilitation needs. These impacts don’t just disrupt lives, they change them.
That’s why experienced product liability lawyers in Redondo Beach push hard to recover compensation that reflects the full scope of current and future damages.
Why Choose a Product Liability Lawyer in Redondo Beach
Handling a product liability claim isn’t the same as managing a routine car accident case.
These claims often involve large corporations, complex supply chains, and deep-pocketed insurance companies that resist paying full value for injuries. Victims need an attorney who knows how to dig into technical product issues, hire experts, and demonstrate fault.
A Redondo Beach product liability lawyer brings local familiarity and legal knowledge to each case.
They understand California’s consumer protection laws, have experience handling negotiations with defense firms, and are ready to take a case to trial if needed. Their understanding of local courts and judges gives them a strategic edge, and they can draw on a network of experts, including engineers, medical professionals, and forensic specialists, to build a compelling case.
How the Legal Process Works
The legal process in a product liability claim typically begins with a consultation. During that meeting, the attorney evaluates the facts, reviews any physical evidence, and identifies the potential defendants.
In many cases, the defendants include the product’s manufacturer, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. The goal is to hold every responsible party accountable. After an attorney takes your case, they begin an investigation. This might include examining the defective product, analyzing product recalls, reviewing company records, and interviewing witnesses.
They’ll also collect your related medical records, bills, and proof of lost income to calculate the full value of the claim. In some cases, your lawyer will also seek out expert opinions to support their arguments about product design or usage.
Once the evidence is gathered, they’ll send a demand letter to the responsible parties, outlining the injuries and requesting compensation. If a fair settlement can’t be reached through negotiations, your attorney will file a lawsuit.
Even after litigation begins, many cases settle before trial. If they don’t, the attorney will represent the injured party in court, presenting a clear and persuasive case to a judge or jury.
What to Expect in a Product Liability Settlement
Every case is different, but several factors influence the potential value of a product liability claim.
The severity of your injury, the cost of medical treatment, the impact on your ability to work, and the extent of your pain and suffering all play a role. In wrongful death cases, families may also recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
A Redondo Beach product liability lawyer can help clients understand what a fair settlement looks like.
They won’t just look at the immediate bills but will consider the long-term effects, such as ongoing therapy, home modifications, or the need for future surgeries. Their goal is to negotiate from a position of strength and secure the maximum possible compensation under the law.
When You Should Contact an Attorney
If a product injured you or a loved one, it’s important to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.
Waiting too long could make it harder to collect evidence, track down witnesses, or meet California’s statute of limitations. In most cases, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in California is two years from the date of injury. If the claim involves a government entity or specific types of products, that timeline could change.
Talking with an attorney early in the process helps you understand your rights and options. It also helps you avoid potentially costly mistakes, like giving an insurance adjuster a recorded statement or agreeing to a lowball settlement before you understand the full impact of your injuries.
A lawyer acts as your advocate from day one, handling the legal stress so you can focus on healing.
Expert Witnesses in Product Liability Cases
In many product liability cases, attorneys work with expert witnesses who can strengthen your case by bringing specialized knowledge that explains technical details to juries and judges.
For example, an engineer might explain how a design flaw in a power tool led to an injury. A medical professional could outline how a defective medical device failed to perform its intended function. Economists might provide projections about a client’s future lost income due to a permanent disability.
These expert insights often make or break a case. Jurors may not have the background to evaluate the safety of a car’s braking system or the chemical composition of a cleaning product, so these experts fill in the gaps. A skilled Redondo Beach product liability attorney knows how to identify the right professionals and incorporate their findings into a persuasive legal argument.
Challenges in Proving a Product Defect
Even though California law allows for strict liability, proving a product defect still requires detailed work.
Manufacturers often claim that the consumer misused the product or ignored safety warnings. They may argue that the injury resulted from an unrelated factor or that the product had been altered after leaving the factory.
Attorneys counter these arguments by showing how the product was used properly, pointing to similar reports of harm from other consumers, and using expert opinions to confirm that the design or manufacturing process was flawed. They may also uncover evidence that a company knew about risks and chose to ignore them—a particularly powerful factor in court.
FAQ: Redondo Beach Product Liability Lawyer
What types of products can lead to a liability claim?
Just about any consumer product can become the subject of a liability claim. This includes electronics, toys, appliances, tools, vehicles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
How long do I have to file a product liability lawsuit in California?
The standard time limit is two years from the date of injury, but there are exceptions. For example, if you didn’t discover the injury right away, the clock may start from the discovery date. An attorney can determine the exact deadline.
Do I need to keep the defective product?
Yes, if possible. The product itself is often a critical piece of evidence in the case. Don’t throw it away or attempt to repair it. Instead, store it safely and share it with your attorney during the consultation.
What if I were partially at fault for the injury?
California follows comparative fault rules, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible. However, your total award may be reduced based on your share of fault.
Can I sue a foreign manufacturer?
Yes. If a product was sold in California and caused injury, you can pursue a claim against any party in the supply chain, including foreign manufacturers. Your attorney may use strategies such as service through the Hague Convention to bring them into the case.
Is a recall necessary for a successful case?
No, a recall is not required. While recalls can support a claim, many successful cases involve products that were never formally recalled. The key is showing that the product was defective and caused your injury.
How much compensation can I receive?
That depends on your specific injuries and damages. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, future care costs, and more. A lawyer can help estimate your case’s potential value.
At Frost Law Firm, PC, we believe you should never have to worry about being injured by everyday products. Yet defective items continue to cause serious harm, disrupting lives and leaving victims with medical bills, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from an unsafe product, our Redondo Beach product liability lawyer can help you make things right.
With a deep understanding of California law, access to expert resources, and a client-focused approach, our attorneys work to secure justice and fair compensation, so you can focus on moving forward.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
