Who Is Responsible for a Defective Product?
When a product injures you, it is natural to think only of the manufacturer. But product liability law reaches further, which can be a real advantage for an injured person.
The whole chain of distribution
Under strict products liability, everyone in the chain that put the product in your hands can potentially be responsible — the manufacturer, any component maker, the distributor or wholesaler, and the retailer that sold it, even a seller that did nothing wrong itself.
Why more than one target helps
Having multiple potentially responsible parties matters when the manufacturer is overseas, out of business, or hard to reach. In those situations, the distributor or retailer may still be responsible, so a claim is not necessarily foreclosed.
Components and finished products
If a defective component caused the harm, the component maker can be responsible along with the maker of the finished product. Identifying which part failed, and who made it, is part of the case.
Why identifying every party matters
Some parties may point at each other, and identifying every company in the chain protects your ability to recover and ensures the right parties are held accountable. That investigation happens early in a case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sue the store where I bought it?
Often, yes. Under strict products liability, retailers and distributors in the chain can be liable for a defective product, even if the defect came from the manufacturer, giving you more than one path to recovery.
Keep reading
This article is general information about Product Liability injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
The law depends on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to product liability.
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