As a consumer, you trust companies to create, test, and sell products that work as intended and are safe to use. The consequences can be tragic when manufacturers cut corners or put dangerously defective products on shelves.
If you were hurt by a defective product, such as an electric scooter or beauty product, a Sacramento defective product attorney from Berg Injury Lawyers can help. We have decades of experience with California’s product liability laws and are ready to fight on your behalf for fair compensation.
We Hold Manufacturers Accountable for Unsafe Consumer Products
Manufacturers have a duty to design, build, and sell products that meet federal and state safety standards. They can be held liable when they fail to maintain this responsibility and cause injury to the people who use their products.
You have rights as a consumer when it comes to defective products. These are guaranteed by the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and our state’s strict liability laws for product manufacturers, which include:
- The right to be informed about potential hazards
- The right to choose safe products
- The right to receive compensation for damages caused by defective products
- The right to have defective products replaced or repaired
If a defective product has hurt you or a loved one, our Sacramento-based attorneys can help. We’ll investigate your case, gather evidence of manufacturing faults, and help work to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
By holding manufacturers of defective products accountable, you can not only get justice for the harm done to you or your loved one, but also help protect countless other people who would likely have also been harmed by that same product in the future. Manufacturers rarely admit fault or recall dangerous products unless they are forced to by lawsuits.
Common Products Regulated by the CPSC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of consumer products by enforcing standards and regulations. It aims to reduce the risk of injuries from consumer products by setting and enforcing safety standards, conducting recalls, and educating the public on potential hazards.
Common products regulated by the CPSC include:
- Children’s toys and craft items
- Exercise equipment like treadmills
- Cribs and crib accessories
- Mattress or bedding materials
- Power tools like miter saws and blades
- Personal care items like dietary supplements, hair styling products, and medications
Understanding CPSC safety standards and knowing where to find information on unsafe products can help you prevent potential accidents or injuries from the products you purchase and use. For instance, check the CPSC’s updated list for recalls or specific regulations on their searchable database. These rules protect you as a consumer and hold manufacturers accountable when products fail.
California Liability Standards
In California, determining liability in product liability cases is guided by specific legal standards, including strict liability or negligence. These laws cover different types of liability for defective products:
- Strict Liability: This law focuses on flaws in the manufacturer’s product. Statute 1714.45 holds manufacturers and sellers accountable if a product is inherently defective and causes harm when used as intended. For instance, if an electric blanket overheats despite being appropriately used and causes burns.
Under strict product liability rules, you must prove that the product was defective and that this defect caused your injury in order to win damages. Our attorneys can gather evidence to demonstrate this standard.
This could include expert testimony on the product’s design and function, records of similar incidents involving the product, or documentation showing the defect was present at the time of purchase.
- Negligence: This standard holds companies responsible for negligent actions rather than defective design or manufacture. Statute 1714 states that a manufacturer can be held liable for injuries caused by failure to act as a reasonably prudent manufacturer would under similar circumstances.
An example might be a company that releases a bicycle with a brake system known to fail in certain common conditions. This type of claim requires proving that the manufacturer failed to take reasonable care in their product’s design, manufacture, or marketing.
Our team can find evidence, such as internal communications showing the company was aware of the defect, lack of adequate safety testing, or ignored consumer complaints about the product’s safety.
Contact Our Sacramento Defective Product Lawyers
Defective product cases can be complex and need a thorough understanding of California’s product liability laws. Working with an experienced attorney from Berg Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the process smoothly. We can assist you in filing the correct claim, submitting the necessary evidence, and securing compensation that fully addresses your injuries.
With nearly four decades of experience in Sacramento, our team has successfully secured millions in compensation for victims of defective product injuries, helping them recover from their devastating losses.
Let us defend your rights and advocate for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us anytime for a free case evaluation. You can reach us 24/7 by phone or complete our contact form with your name, phone number, and a brief description of your situation.
