When you purchase a product, you have the right to expect that it is safe, and California’s product liability laws are designed to protect that right. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are legally responsible for ensuring their products do not pose unreasonable risks to consumers. Yet despite these protections, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported that in 2024, 15.1 million people sought emergency treatment due to injuries from consumer products, ranging from television sets and household appliances to soaps, detergents, and other everyday items. This striking statistic demonstrates that even ordinary products can unexpectedly cause serious harm.
At The Law Offices of Caroline J. Nasseri, we are dedicated to securing justice for victims pursuing product liability claims in San Jose and throughout California. Product liability laws exist to protect consumers from dangerous defects, malfunctions, and other hazards that can cause serious injury or suffering. When companies fail to meet these responsibilities, you have the right to take legal action and pursue full compensation for your losses. Whether it is a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or multiple entities within a product’s chain of distribution, we work tirelessly to hold all negligent parties accountable and ensure our clients receive the restitution they deserve.
Understanding the Different Types of Product Defects in California
California law recognizes three primary types of defects that can lead to a product liability lawsuit:
- Design Defects: A design defect occurs when a product is inherently unsafe due to its design, even if it is manufactured correctly. For example, a car with faulty airbags may fail to protect passengers properly in the event of an accident, creating a serious safety risk.
- Manufacturing Defects: Manufacturing defects occur when mistakes or errors during the production process make a product unsafe, even if its design is sound. For instance, a toaster with faulty wiring can overheat and cause electrical fires, posing a significant danger to consumers.
- Failure-to-Warn Defects (Marketing Defects): These defects happen when a manufacturer or seller fails to provide adequate warnings or instructions about the product’s risks. For example, toys that lack choking hazard warnings can cause serious injuries and, in some cases, even death.
In the United States, companies have a legal duty to inform consumers of all known risks associated with their products. If a manufacturer becomes aware of a defect or receives a report of problems, they are required to issue a recall and take all necessary steps to ensure the product is safe. Failing to act, or failing to act promptly, can constitute negligence and expose the company to legal liability.
Pursue Your Product Liability Claim with Expert Legal Help at The Law Offices of Caroline J. Nasseri.
For residents of San Jose and throughout California, product liability laws provide strong protections for consumers. Under the strict liability doctrine, companies can be held legally responsible if a defective product causes harm—even if they took reasonable precautions.
If a defective product has harmed you or a loved one, don’t wait. In California, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally two years from the date of injury, or from the date the injury was discovered.
At The Law Offices of Caroline J. Nasseri, we guide clients through the often complex process of pursuing product liability claims, helping them obtain the justice and recovery they deserve. With unmatched experience in California product liability law, our team has the knowledge, resources, and determination to ensure that every party at fault is held fully accountable when defective products cause life-changing injuries or wrongful death. Call us at (408) 912-2217 or fill out our free case evaluation form today to take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
