We expect the things we buy from kitchen tools to cars and medications to be safe. But when a product malfunctions or contains hidden dangers, the consequences can be life-changing. Injuries caused by defective products are not just accidents they’re grounds for a legal claim under product liability law.
In this post, we’ll explain what product liability means, what kinds of products are involved in lawsuits, and how injured consumers can take action in 2025.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability is a type of tort law that holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when a product causes harm due to:
- Defective design – the product is unsafe by design
- Manufacturing defects – the product was made incorrectly or with poor quality
- Failure to warn – there was no proper warning or instructions about risks
Real-Life Examples of Product Liability Cases
🔹 Exploding E-Cigarettes
Vape pens have been known to explode in users’ pockets or faces due to battery issues, causing burns and scars.
🔹 Recalled Children’s Toys
Some toys contain small parts that pose a choking hazard or use paint with toxic chemicals.
🔹 Defective Airbags and Car Parts
Massive recalls, like Takata airbags, have led to hundreds of injuries and several deaths causing large settlements.
🔹 Kitchen and Home Devices
Pressure cookers, blenders, and space heaters are involved in many injury cases when they malfunction or catch fire.
🔹 Medication and Supplements
Some over-the-counter or prescription drugs contain undisclosed ingredients or side effects that lead to permanent damage.
Who Can File a Product Liability Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file a claim if:
- You were injured by a product while using it as directed
- You have proof of the product, your injury, and how it happened
- The product has a known issue, has been recalled, or is part of an ongoing legal investigation
You do NOT need to be the original buyer even gift recipients or bystanders can sometimes file.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
In a product liability case, you may be able to recover:
- Medical bills
- Lost income or job time
- Pain and suffering
- Compensation for permanent disability
- Replacement costs or property damage
In cases of gross negligence, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the company.
How to Take Legal Action
- Keep the product (if safe) — don’t throw it away
- Take photos of your injuries and the damaged product
- Get medical treatment and save the records
- Contact a product liability lawyer
Many of these cases are handled as mass torts, especially for recalled drugs or defective devices.
Conclusion:
When big companies put dangerous products on the market, they should be held accountable. Product liability law exists to protect people like you from being harmed by careless manufacturing, poor design, or lack of warning.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a faulty product whether it’s a kitchen appliance, a car part, or a prescription drug don’t wait. Legal help is available, and you may be entitled to compensation.