When you purchase a product, you expect it to be safe. Unfortunately, thousands of consumers each year are injured by defective or dangerous products that never should have made it to the marketplace. From faulty auto parts to dangerous toys, defective products can result in devastating injuries, emotional distress, and costly medical bills.
At Hayes Law, we have represented clients in high-stakes product liability cases and won against some of the largest companies in the nation. Knowing which types of products most frequently lead to injury claims can help you stay aware—and act quickly if you’re affected.
1. Defective Auto Parts
Automotive defects are among the most dangerous product issues, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Commonly defective car components include:
- Airbags: Faulty airbags may fail to deploy or deploy too forcefully, causing injury instead of preventing it.
- Brakes: Brake failure can result in loss of control, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Tires: Tire blowouts due to manufacturing defects can lead to rollovers or crashes.
- Steering Systems: Malfunctioning steering components can severely limit a driver’s ability to avoid hazards.
Manufacturers, suppliers, or mechanics can all be liable depending on the origin of the defect. These claims often involve complex litigation and require expert analysis.
2. Dangerous Pharmaceutical Drugs
Prescription and over-the-counter medications must go through rigorous testing before hitting the market, but that doesn’t always mean they’re safe. Drug manufacturers can still be held liable if their products cause harmful side effects or were not labeled properly.
Examples of drug-related injuries include:
- Unlisted side effects leading to heart failure, stroke, or organ damage
- Poor drug design or contamination during manufacturing
- Failure to warn users of potential risks
Cases involving defective pharmaceuticals may fall under mass torts or class action lawsuits, depending on how widespread the injuries are.
3. Defective Medical Devices
Like pharmaceuticals, medical devices must meet strict FDA regulations. Unfortunately, many are rushed to market through loopholes such as the 510(k) clearance process.
Common defective medical devices include:
- Hip and knee implants that fail prematurely
- Pacemakers and defibrillators that malfunction
- Surgical mesh that erodes or causes organ damage
These devices are often implanted in the body, making failures not only painful but potentially life-threatening. Product liability claims here often include allegations of design flaws, poor manufacturing, or inadequate testing.
4. Consumer Electronics and Appliances
Household items can be surprisingly hazardous when poorly designed or manufactured. Common defective electronics include:
- Laptops and phones that overheat or catch fire due to battery defects
- Hairdryers or curling irons that lack proper insulation and cause burns
- Kitchen appliances that spark or short-circuit
In many cases, the danger is electrical shock, burns, or fire. If the product was used as intended and still caused injury, the manufacturer may be liable under strict liability rules.
5. Children’s Toys and Products
Products designed for children must meet rigorous safety standards—but not all do. Children’s injuries are especially serious and may include choking, poisoning, or lacerations. Some of the most commonly recalled or litigated items include:
- Toys with small parts that pose a choking hazard
- Lead-contaminated toys or paints
- Defective cribs, car seats, or strollers
In many cases, these items are manufactured overseas and may not comply with U.S. safety regulations. A personal injury claim can hold importers, retailers, and manufacturers accountable.
6. Contaminated or Dangerous Food Products
Foodborne illnesses affect millions every year, and some cases stem from contaminated or improperly labeled products. Claims may arise from:
- Undeclared allergens, such as peanuts or dairy
- Bacterial contamination, like Salmonella or E. coli
- Foreign objects, like glass or metal shards
Whether it’s a major food producer or a local restaurant, responsible parties can be held accountable if their products lead to serious illness or injury.
7. Power Tools and Industrial Equipment
Construction and manufacturing workers are especially at risk for injuries caused by defective tools or machinery. Examples include:
- Nail guns or drills that misfire
- Ladders that collapse under normal use
- Safety gear, such as helmets or harnesses, that fail during use
These injuries often overlap with workers’ compensation claims but may also result in third-party product liability lawsuits if the equipment was inherently unsafe.
8. Defective Household Products
Everyday items can become dangerous when improperly designed. Some examples are:
- Furniture that tips over without anchoring
- Pressure cookers that explode under normal use
- Cleaning products with misleading labels or lack of warnings
These injuries range from burns and lacerations to long-term chemical exposure. Often, manufacturers fail to include adequate warnings or instructions, which becomes a point of liability.
How We Can Help
At Hayes Law, we understand how life-changing a product-related injury can be. With decades of experience and a proven track record of exceptional results, our attorneys Jillian Hayes and Jim Hayes have gone head-to-head with some of the largest companies in the country—and won. Whether it’s a defective car part or a hazardous toy, we have the legal knowledge and tenacity to pursue justice on your behalf.
Our San Diego-based personal injury team will thoroughly investigate the defect, identify responsible parties, and aggressively seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, don’t wait. Contact Hayes Law today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and results you deserve.