Although the area of law referred to as product liability may sometimes seem challenging to understand, the goal of product liability law is simple and seeks to protect the public and average consumers from harm. Design defects are a frequent topic of discussion when product liability law is brought up and it is useful to understand what it refers to. Whether a victim has been harmed by a vehicle or the oven in their kitchen, it is important to understand that vehicles, household electronics, and other consumer products may cause harm and it is of even greater importance to understand the options available when a victim has been harmed.
Design defects refer to an inherent design defect in the product itself. It is possible to prove that a design defect exists by demonstrating that a safer hypothetical design exists, that the safer hypothetical design is as economically feasible and practical as the original design, and that the safer hypothetical design retains the primary purpose of the original design regardless of the changes.
Inherent defects in the design of a product may render it inherently dangerous and trigger liability to victims for any harm suffered as a result of the design defect. When a product is unreasonably dangerous, even when used as intended, there may be a product liability issue of concern. Decisions manufacturers make concerning the design of a product and the safety of a product may lead to claims of manufacturer negligence when a consumer is harmed as a result.
Unfortunately, product liability injuries can be severe and debilitating and may even lead to death in some circumstances. Because of the damages that may be associated with a product liability injury, legal remedies exist to help injured victims and families recover damages when they have been wrongfully harmed by the design defect of a consumer product.
