Understanding Product Liability Cases
Product liability refers to a manufacturer’s or seller’s responsibility for placing a defective product into the hands of a consumer. In California and across the U.S., victims injured by defective products can bring a legal claim to seek compensation. These cases can involve anything from faulty auto parts and unsafe pharmaceuticals to malfunctioning appliances.
But product liability cases are rarely straightforward. One of the key components that often makes or breaks these cases is the testimony of expert witnesses.
What Is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is someone who has specialized knowledge, education, experience, or training in a particular field relevant to the case. In product liability cases, expert witnesses help judges and juries understand complex technical or scientific matters, such as:
- How the product was supposed to function
- What design or manufacturing flaws existed
- Whether the product violated industry safety standards
- How the product caused injury to the plaintiff
Their role isn’t to offer legal opinions, but to provide fact-based explanations and professional assessments that support the plaintiff’s or defendant’s position.
Why Expert Witnesses Are Essential in Product Liability Claims
Product liability cases often require a deep understanding of engineering, medicine, manufacturing, chemistry, or biomechanics. Jurors, attorneys, and even judges may lack the specialized knowledge needed to assess whether a product was indeed defective. This is where expert witnesses come in.
1. Explaining Technical Aspects
An expert can break down how a product should function and what went wrong. For example, if a car airbag failed to deploy, a mechanical engineer can explain whether this was due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or maintenance issue.
2. Establishing Causation
In personal injury law, proving causation is critical. It’s not enough to show the product was defective; the plaintiff must also show that the defect caused the injury. A medical expert might be needed to confirm that a child’s burn injury was caused by a defective bottle warmer, not another source.
3. Refuting Defense Claims
Manufacturers often present their own experts to argue that the product was safe when used as intended. Plaintiffs need equally credible experts to challenge those claims and present a counter-narrative backed by science, data, and industry standards.
4. Calculating Damages
In some cases, economic experts are brought in to estimate future medical expenses, lost income, and reduced earning capacity resulting from injuries. These projections help establish the value of the claim.
Types of Expert Witnesses in Product Liability Cases
Depending on the complexity of the case, Hayes Law may work with several types of experts:
- Design Engineers – Analyze product schematics to identify flaws
- Manufacturing Experts – Assess production errors or inconsistencies
- Medical Experts – Testify on injuries, causation, and long-term effects
- Safety Experts – Determine compliance with OSHA, FDA, or industry standards
- Forensic Analysts – Reconstruct accidents and determine the sequence of events
- Economists/Vocational Experts – Quantify financial losses
Each type plays a specific role, and having the right expert can add credibility and clarity to your case.
The Process of Using Expert Testimony
At Hayes Law, involving an expert witness is not a last-minute tactic. It’s part of a calculated legal strategy. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Case Evaluation: Once we accept a product liability case, we assess the need for expert involvement based on the product, injuries, and potential defense strategies.
- Expert Selection: We work with vetted professionals who have courtroom experience and strong credentials. Many of them have testified in high-profile cases or worked in regulatory bodies.
- Pre-Trial Preparation: Experts review evidence, conduct tests or inspections, and prepare formal reports. These documents may be used during discovery, mediation, or trial.
- Deposition and Testimony: Experts are often deposed by opposing counsel. If the case proceeds to trial, they provide direct testimony and are cross-examined by the defense.
Having well-prepared, articulate expert witnesses can significantly sway a jury’s understanding and ultimately their verdict.
Winning Against Large Corporations
Large manufacturers often have deep pockets and extensive legal teams. They rely on delaying tactics, technical defenses, and confusion to escape liability. At Hayes Law, we use expert testimony to level the playing field.
Our founding attorneys, Jillian Hayes and Jim Hayes, have a reputation for outthinking and outperforming even the largest corporate legal teams. In multiple product liability cases, our strategic use of expert witnesses has helped us expose design flaws, counter misleading defense arguments, and secure substantial compensation for our clients.
Recent Example: A Victory Built on Expert Testimony
In a recent case involving a defective home appliance that caused serious burns, the defense claimed user error. Our team worked with a product engineer and a fire safety expert to show that the product lacked a failsafe mechanism common in other models. Their testimony demonstrated how a design omission led directly to our client’s injury—resulting in a favorable settlement before trial.
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, navigating the legal system alone can be overwhelming—especially when going up against major corporations. At Hayes Law, we bring not just legal experience but a strategic approach powered by expert insight.
We’ve successfully handled cases involving defective consumer goods, medical devices, auto parts, and more. Our team, led by Jillian Hayes and Jim Hayes, builds strong, evidence-backed claims with the help of top-tier experts. We’ve won against some of the biggest companies—and we’re ready to fight for you too.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us evaluate your case and show you how our expert-backed strategy can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.