Product liability is civil liability arising from harm caused by a defective product.
Why It Matters
This area matters because consumers and businesses rely on products being reasonably safe. When defects cause injury or loss, tort and related legal theories can shift responsibility to parties in the product chain.
Where It Appears
Product liability appears in lawsuits involving manufacturing defects, design defects, warning failures, consumer goods, industrial products, pharmaceuticals, and equipment.
Practical Example
A product reaches consumers with a dangerous defect that causes injury during ordinary use. A product liability claim may be brought against parties involved in making or selling it.
How It Differs From Nearby Terms
Strict liability may be one theory used in product cases, but product liability is the broader area of law. Warranty claims can overlap but arise from contract and consumer law. Negligence focuses on unreasonable conduct, while some product claims do not require proving ordinary negligence.
Related Terms
Knowledge Check
- What is product liability about? It is about civil liability for harm caused by a defective product.
- How is it related to strict liability? Strict liability can be one theory inside product liability, but product liability is the broader field.