Product liability means deciding who is responsible for a defective product. The range of liability varies from the manufacturer to the retailer who sold the items. Personal injury means providing compensation to affected victims. Consumers, manufacturers and business owners need to understand the basic laws about product liability in Florida.
The basic definition of product liability
Product liability is the level of responsibility that a manufacturer has to provide a safe, effective product for general consumers. Manufacturers must take responsibility for any damages or injuries caused by their defective products. Other individuals and companies that are liable include wholesalers and retail store owners.
Types of liability
There are different types of product liability claims filed in court. A claim of negligence is made against a manufacturer who knowingly and recklessly made a defective product. A common example is failing to inform consumers about potentially dangerous ingredients on a product warning label.
Strict liability places all of the blame on the manufacturer without regard to any specific degree of care they took. Additionally, a breach of warranty of fitness occurs when the buyer trusts the seller to give good advice on the right product to buy; however, the seller gives an unsafe or ineffective product.
Product liability law is essential to buyers
A product can undergo a series of tests and pass a government agency’s approval. However, millions of products are recalled every year. Some products are sold with hidden defects, but it takes years for consumers to notice them. By then, millions of dollars in damages have occurred. Product liability law in Florida is designed to protect buyers from the dangers of hidden manufacturing errors.