When you buy a product, you expect it to work as advertised—not to injure you (or others), damage your property, or cost you money in repairs. But when something goes wrong, and the product clearly causes harm, the frustration quickly shifts to figuring out how to hold the company accountable.
When you buy a product, you expect it to work as advertised—not to injure you (or others), damage your property, or cost you money in repairs. But when something goes wrong, and the product clearly causes harm, the frustration quickly shifts to figuring out how to hold the company accountable.
Victims of defective products often face pushback from large manufacturers, retailers, or distributors who refuse to accept responsibility. If you’re dealing with injuries or financial losses because of a faulty product, you need to understand what it takes to prove liability and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Types of Product Liability Claims
Defective product cases typically fall into four categories: manufacturing defects, design defects, marketing defects, and breach of warranty. Each type points to a different failure in the product’s lifecycle.
A manufacturing defect happens when something goes wrong during assembly. The design might be safe, but mistakes in the production process, like missing parts or poor materials, can make a product a hazard.
A design defect means the product was unsafe from the start. Even if built exactly as intended, the design puts users at risk. This usually affects every unit in the product line, not just a few.
A marketing defect involves the information (or lack of it) provided to consumers. Products that don’t include clear instructions or fail to warn about dangers can expose users to harm.
A breach of warranty relates to broken promises. If a product doesn’t live up to the standards the company promised—written or implied—it can give rise to legal action when that failure causes harm.
What Do You Need to Prove in a Product Liability Lawsuit?
To succeed in a product liability case, you must show that the product was defective, that the defect caused you harm, and that you were using it as intended or in a way the manufacturer could reasonably expect.
The court will expect a clear link between the defect and your injury or loss. If the product was altered or misused in a way that contributed to the incident, your case could fall apart. But if the product was in its original form and used normally, the focus turns to whether it failed in a way that made it dangerous.
You’ll also need to show actual damages—medical bills, lost wages, repair costs, or other measurable losses. Emotional distress might be part of the picture, but it usually needs to accompany more concrete financial or physical harm.
Evidence You Should Collect and Preserve
Building a strong claim takes more than your word. You’ll need evidence that clearly shows what went wrong and how it affected you.
Start by saving the product itself, if possible. Don’t attempt to repair or modify it—keep it in the same condition it was in when the incident occurred. Photos and videos of the damage, injuries, or the moment the product failed can be powerful. So can medical records, repair estimates, and receipts showing when and where the product was purchased.
A bulletproof product liability case often includes:
- Manufacturer instructions and warning labels
- Any communication with the company about the issue
- Witness statements from people who saw what happened
- A timeline of events, including symptoms or damage that followed
Each piece of evidence helps create a clear picture of liability and increases your chances of holding the right party accountable.
Legal Support in Product Liability Cases
Arnold, Willis & Conway represents individuals who’ve been harmed by defective products and businesses that have been wrongly pulled into litigation. If you’ve suffered injuries or losses from a faulty item—or if your company is defending against a product liability claim—our team is ready to help. You deserve a solution that fits your situation and a legal team that takes your case seriously. Contact our firm in Dyersburg to take the next step toward resolution.