When a product you trusted causes injury, the physical pain is often compounded by frustration and confusion. Who is responsible? How do you hold them accountable? At Hayes Law, we help injured clients in San Diego prove product liability cases against some of the largest companies in the world. If you’re considering legal action, understanding how to prove a product liability case is essential.
Break down the different types of product defects, what you must prove to win your case, and how experienced attorneys like Jillian Hayes and Jim Hayes help you build a strong legal strategy.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability is a legal area that holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. These can range from faulty car parts and harmful prescription drugs to unsafe children’s toys or household appliances.
Unlike a typical personal injury case that may require proving negligence, many product liability cases can be based on strict liability, meaning you don’t always have to prove the manufacturer was careless—just that the product was defective and caused harm.
Types of Product Defects
To prove a product liability case, one of the first steps is identifying the nature of the defect. There are three main types:
1. Design Defects
These occur when the product is inherently dangerous due to its design—even if manufactured correctly. A classic example is a vehicle with a high rollover risk due to poor engineering.
2. Manufacturing Defects
This defect occurs during the production process. Perhaps a batch of airbags were installed incorrectly or a contaminant ended up in food during packaging. The design was safe, but something went wrong during assembly or production.
3. Marketing/Labeling Defects (Failure to Warn)
Even a safely designed and manufactured product can be dangerous without proper instructions or warnings. Medications that do not warn of serious side effects or power tools without adequate safety instructions fall into this category.
What You Must Prove
To win a product liability case, the burden of proof lies with the injured party. Here are the core elements:
1. The Product Was Defective
You must prove the product had a design, manufacturing, or warning defect. Expert testimony, product testing, recalls, and engineering reports may be used to establish this.
2. The Defect Existed When It Left the Manufacturer
The defect must have existed before the product reached you. In other words, you can’t claim a product was defective if you modified it and that caused the harm. Your legal team may investigate supply chain records, design blueprints, or quality control logs.
3. The Product Was Used as Intended
Your use of the product must have been “reasonably foreseeable.” If you misused the product in an unforeseeable way, the defense may argue that the injury was your fault.
4. The Defect Directly Caused Your Injury
This is known as “causation.” It must be clear that the defect—not another factor—caused your injury. Medical records, incident reports, and expert witnesses are often used to tie the defect directly to your harm.
Collecting Evidence
Evidence is crucial in product liability cases. Your attorney will help you gather:
- The product itself (preserved in its post-accident state)
- Receipts and documentation of your purchase
- Photos or videos of the product in use and the injury aftermath
- Medical records proving your injuries
- Witness statements
- Recall notices or prior complaints about the product
- Expert analysis of the product’s defect
At Hayes Law, we conduct detailed investigations and work with industry professionals—from engineers to product safety experts—to strengthen your case.
Common Defenses Manufacturers Use
Be prepared: companies and their insurers don’t give in easily. Here are common defenses they may use:
- You used the product incorrectly.
- You altered the product.
- The product wasn’t defective.
- Your injury was caused by something else.
- You assumed the risk.
Anticipating these arguments is essential. That’s where a skilled legal team comes in—building a case that disarms these defenses before they can even be used.
Real-Life Example: Standing Up to Big Companies
At Hayes Law, we’ve gone up against some of the biggest corporations—and won. In one case, a client suffered severe burns from a defective kitchen appliance. The manufacturer denied responsibility and blamed the user. But our investigation revealed internal emails acknowledging the product’s flaw. That single piece of evidence turned the tide and led to a substantial settlement for our client.
Statute of Limitations in California
In California, the statute of limitations for most product liability cases is two years from the date of injury. However, if the injury wasn’t discovered immediately, the clock may start once the injury is reasonably discovered. Acting quickly can make or break your case.
Why You Need a Product Liability Attorney
Product liability cases are technical, expensive, and involve major corporations with aggressive legal teams. Trying to pursue a case alone is risky. A seasoned attorney:
- Understands product liability law in California
- Knows how to gather and preserve critical evidence
- Has access to expert witnesses
- Can negotiate with insurers or take your case to trial if necessary
At Hayes Law, we combine decades of experience with relentless advocacy. Jillian Hayes and Jim Hayes bring a personal, strategic approach to each case—always focused on results.
How We Can Help
At Hayes Law, we don’t just fight cases—we win them. Whether you’re dealing with injuries from a defective medical device, a faulty car part, or a mislabeled product, our San Diego-based legal team is ready to stand with you. We’ve taken on major corporations and secured justice for people just like you.
Let us investigate your case, preserve the evidence, and hold the right parties accountable. Schedule a free consultation with Hayes Law today, and let us help you get the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.