Product Liability Lawyers

What product liability law covers

Product liability claims arise when defective products cause injury or illness. The law holds manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers liable for products that fail to meet safety standards or reasonable consumer expectations. This includes:

• Manufacturing defects – flaws occurring during production
• Design defects – inherently unsafe product designs
• Marketing defects – inadequate warnings or instructions about risks

Unlike standard negligence claims, product liability operates under strict liability principles in many jurisdictions. This means you don’t need to prove the manufacturer acted unreasonably – only that the defective product caused harm.

Common types product liability claims

Product liability claims can result from a wide range of everyday items. At Osbornes Law, our solicitors have experience handling cases involving:

• Medical devices – faulty implants, defective surgical equipment
• Defective drugs – pharmaceutical products causing unexpected side effects
• Domestic appliances – electrical goods causing fires or injuries such as carbon monoxide poisoning
• Automotive defects – brake failures, airbag malfunctions
• Consumer products – toys, electronics, household items

How long do you have to make a claim?

If you have been injured by a defective product you need to act quickly to bring a claim. The key time limits to know are:

• Three years from the date you were injured or first became aware the product caused your injury (known as the “date of knowledge”).
• Ten-year maximum from the date the product was first put into circulation, regardless of when the injury occurred.

These time limits apply under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Limitation Act 1980.

How our product liability lawyers can help

Our experienced product liability lawyers provide comprehensive support throughout the claims process:

• Case Assessment: Evaluating whether your injury was caused by a defective product and identifying liable parties in the supply chain.
• Evidence Gathering: Collecting product samples, medical records, safety certifications, and expert testimony to build your case.
• Legal Strategy: Determining the strongest grounds for your claim under consumer protection legislation and common law.
• Negotiation: Securing fair compensation through settlement discussions with manufacturers and insurance companies.
• Court Proceedings: Representing clients in litigation when settlement isn’t achievable.