What Is Strict Product Liability, and How Does It Work?

October 4, 2019

Most of you reading this would agree that defective and dangerous products should never reach the consumer market. Whether a product is defective simply by accident or because of one or more party’s negligence, consumers can suffer a range of injuries from minor to severe.

Needless to say, these victims deserve answers and solutions. In many cases, they can acquire these things through strict product liability law under the caring guidance of an attorney. When successful, strict liability claims hold the responsible parties liable for the victim’s injury even if no negligence played a role. Pennsylvania is one state that recognizes strict liability claims involving defective products.

As you may already know, product liability law provides three options for injured victims: design flaws, labeling flaws and manufacturing flaws.

A strict liability claim is an option for victims when a manufacturing defect occurs. The doctrine works by giving victims a chance to acquire compensation for their suffering when no ill intent is involved in the case.

For example, say that you purchase a bicycle with a defective braking system. As you are riding down a steep hill, the brakes fail resulting in a crash and a very serious back injury. The strict liability doctrine can help you acquire compensation from the manufacturer even without the presence of negligence.

In other words, there is no need to prove negligence or carelessness to acquire a financial award. You and your lawyer need only prove that the bicycle was defective, and therefore, responsible for your injury. When exploring the options available in a product liability claim, victims have many critical decisions to make. Working with a legal professional gives you a great amount of guidance when making these decisions.

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