When you purchase a product, you trust it to function safely and as intended. However, defective products can cause serious injuries or even fatalities, leading to legal claims for damages. Among these claims, manufacturing defects are the most common cause of product liability claims. As a Minnetonka-based law firm, Schmidt and Salita are here to help victims of product-related injuries understand their rights and seek justice under Minnesota law.
What is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to the legal accountability of manufacturers, distributors, or sellers for harm caused by defective products, as outlined under product liability laws; when one of these is unreasonably dangerous due to a defect, consumers who suffer injuries may have the right to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
In Minnesota, these types of claims operate under a strict liability standard, which means injured parties are not required to prove negligence. Instead, they must establish that the product was defective and that the defect directly caused their injury while the product was being used as intended. This consumer-friendly framework guarantees that victims can hold responsible parties accountable without the added burden of proving fault.
Which is the Most Common Cause of Product Liability Claims?
Manufacturing defects are the most frequent cause of product liability claims. These defects occur when something goes wrong during the production process, making the product dangerous even though the original design was safe. Examples include a contaminated batch of food, a faulty car part, or a medication improperly formulated during production.
The state’s law supports claims for manufacturing defects under strict liability statutes, such as Minnesota Statutes Section 604.04, which hold manufacturers accountable for defective products that cause harm to consumers. Strict liability means you do not need to prove negligence; instead, you must demonstrate that the product was faulty and that the defect directly caused your injury. Additionally, you must show that you were using the product in a reasonably foreseeable way when the injury occurred. This framework certifies that manufacturers are held responsible for their products’ safety, providing injured consumers with a pathway to recover damages for their losses.
Types of Product Liability Claims
There are three primary types of product liability claims, each addressing a specific kind of defect:
1. Manufacturing Defects
As discussed earlier, they arise when mistakes occur during production. This is the most typical type of claim because even a single defective unit out of thousands can lead to an injury. For example, a defective airbag that fails to deploy during a crash would fall under this category.
2. Design Defects
This occurs when a product is inherently unsafe due to a flaw in its design, even when manufactured correctly. A common example is a car model with a high center of gravity that makes it prone to rolling over during sharp turns.
3. Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn)
Also known as “failure to warn” claims, marketing defects involve insufficient instructions, warnings, or labels to inform consumers of potential risks. For instance, if a power tool lacks safety instructions, leading to an avoidable injury, this could qualify as a marketing defect claim.
Each type of claim addresses different circumstances, and determining the category that applies to your case is a vital step in pursuing compensation. Under the state’s law, plaintiffs may also file claims for breach of warranty, as outlined in Minnesota Statutes Section 544.41, which addresses express and implied warranties in consumer transactions.
Who Can Be Liable for a Product Liability Claim?
Product liability claims may involve multiple parties, depending on where the defect occurred in the product’s lifecycle. Those who can be held responsible include:
1. Manufacturers
They are often the primary defendants, as they are responsible for designing and producing the product. For example, manufacturers could be held accountable for injuries if a power tool malfunctions due to a wiring error during assembly.
2. Distributors
They are responsible for transporting and storing products and can also be at fault if improper handling or storage introduces a defect, such as spoilage in a food item.
3. Retailers
Retailers can also face responsibility if they sell defective products, even if they are unaware of the defect. In Minnesota, strict liability laws mean that sellers can be held responsible for injuries caused by defective products they sell to consumers.
Comprehending who is at fault is fundamental to filing a successful claim. Our legal team at Schmidt and Salita can investigate your case to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable for your damages.
Contact Schmidt and Salita for Help with Your Product Liability Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product in Minnetonka, MN, our experienced attorneys at Schmidt and Salita can guide you through every step of the legal process. Call us at (952) 473-4530 or contact us today for a free consultation.