When a defective product causes you injury, the physical pain and emotional trauma can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, lost wages mount, and you’re left wondering who will hold the manufacturer accountable. At Dordick Law Corporation, our Beverly Hills product liability attorneys understand the devastating impact dangerous products have on your life. We recover compensation for victims harmed by design defects, manufacturing errors, and inadequate warnings, with a contingency fee arrangement. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your product liability claim.
What Is a Product Liability Claim?
A product liability claim arises when a defective or dangerous product causes injury to a consumer. Unlike other personal injury cases, product liability operates under a strict liability standard in California. This means you don’t need to prove the manufacturer was negligent—only that the product was defective and caused your injury.
California recognizes three types of product defects.
- A design defect occurs when the product’s design itself is inherently dangerous, even when manufactured correctly.
- A manufacturing defect happens during production, causing the product to deviate from its intended design.
- A failure to warn defect exists when the manufacturer fails to provide adequate instructions or warnings about known dangers.
Each type of defect can form the basis of a product liability claim.
Types of Defective Products We Handle
Defective products come in countless forms, and Beverly Hills residents encounter dangerous items regularly. We handle product liability claims involving vehicles and automotive components, including defective brakes, airbags, and steering systems that fail when drivers need them most. Electronics and household appliances—from faulty wiring in refrigerators to exploding batteries in laptops—cause serious injuries annually. Pharmaceuticals and medical devices represent another significant category, where improper drug formulations or defective surgical implants harm patients who trusted these products for their health.
Children’s products and toys pose particular dangers when manufacturers cut corners on safety. Household tools, power equipment, and propane tanks also frequently cause severe injuries when defectively designed or manufactured. If you’ve been injured by any defective product in Beverly Hills or the surrounding areas, Dordick Law Corporation investigates your claim thoroughly and pursues maximum compensation.
How Product Liability Claims Work in California
California’s strict liability framework protects consumers by holding manufacturers responsible for defective products regardless of negligence. Under California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI No. 1200), a manufacturer is liable if the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control, and the defect caused your injury. You need not prove the manufacturer knew about the defect or acted carelessly—only that the product was unreasonably dangerous.
The burden of proof rests with you to establish three elements: the product was defective, the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control, and the defect caused your injury. Manufacturers cannot avoid liability by claiming they followed industry standards or that the product was used as intended. California law recognizes that manufacturers have a duty to design safe products and warn consumers of known dangers.
Compensation Available for Product Liability Injuries
When a defective product injures you, California law allows recovery for multiple categories of damages. Medical expenses form the foundation of your claim—including emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and future medical needs related to your injury. Lost wages compensate you for income you cannot earn while recovering, and lost earning capacity addresses permanent disabilities that reduce your future income potential.
Pain and suffering damages recognize the physical agony and emotional distress you endure. Permanent disability and disfigurement damages account for lasting changes to your body and quality of life. In cases where a defective product causes death, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death damages. Property damage may also be recoverable if the defective product destroyed or damaged your belongings. Dordick Law Corporation calculates your total damages comprehensively, pursuing compensation for all applicable categories of loss based on your specific injury and circumstances.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your Product Liability Case
Dordick Law Corporation brings extensive experience handling complex product liability cases throughout Beverly Hills and California. Our attorneys understand how manufacturers operate, the design and manufacturing processes that lead to defects, and the legal strategies manufacturers use to defend themselves. We don’t accept manufacturer excuses or settle for inadequate compensation.
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours—we succeed only when you receive the maximum recovery possible. Our local Beverly Hills presence means we understand the community and can effectively communicate with juries familiar with the area. We pursue aggressive representation, taking cases to trial when necessary to secure the full compensation you deserve. Our commitment to client service extends beyond legal representation; we guide you through every step of the process and keep you informed about your case’s progress.
Steps to Take After a Defective Product Injury
Immediately after a defective product injures you, seek medical attention. Document your injuries with photographs and medical records, as this evidence proves the severity of your harm. Preserve the defective product itself—do not discard or repair it, as it serves as critical evidence in your claim. Document the circumstances of your injury, including when and where the injury occurred, what you were doing, and how the product failed.
Gather any product packaging, instructions, and warnings that came with the item. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the injury or can testify about the product’s defect. Report the injury to the product manufacturer if appropriate, as this creates a record of the defect. Most importantly, contact Dordick Law Corporation for a free consultation. The sooner we evaluate your claim, the sooner we can begin investigating and preserving evidence. California’s statute of limitations limits the time you have to file a lawsuit, so don’t delay in seeking legal representation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Product Liability
What is the statute of limitations for product liability claims in California?
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 establishes a two-year deadline to file a product liability lawsuit, measured from the date you discovered your injury or reasonably should have discovered it. This deadline is strict—missing it bars your claim permanently. Some injuries develop gradually, which can extend the discovery date, but you should not rely on this exception. Contact Dordick Law Corporation immediately to ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
Can I sue the manufacturer if I didn't purchase the product directly?
Yes. California’s strict liability standard applies regardless of privity of contract, meaning you need not have purchased the product directly from the manufacturer. You can pursue claims against the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or any party in the product’s chain of distribution. This broad liability framework ensures injured consumers can recover compensation from responsible parties even if they purchased the product secondhand or received it as a gift.
What evidence do I need to prove a product defect?
Proving a product defect requires expert testimony from engineers or scientists who can explain how the product failed and why it was defectively designed or manufactured. Product testing demonstrates the defect and its danger. Design documentation, manufacturing records, and internal communications from the manufacturer can reveal knowledge of the defect. Witness testimony about how the product performed and failed strengthens your claim. Dordick Law Corporation retains qualified experts and conducts thorough investigations to gather all necessary evidence.
How long does a product liability case take?
Product liability cases vary in duration depending on complexity and whether a settlement occurs. Many cases settle within 12 to 24 months after investigation and demand letters. Cases proceeding to trial typically take 2 to 4 years from filing to verdict. Factors affecting the timeline include the number of defendants, the complexity of the defect, the availability of expert witnesses, and court schedules. Dordick Law Corporation works efficiently to resolve your case while never sacrificing quality representation for speed.
What if I were partially at fault for my injury?
California’s comparative negligence rules allow you to recover damages even if you bear more than 50% responsibility for your injury. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 60% at fault and the manufacturer 40% at fault, you can recover 40% of your damages. Manufacturers frequently argue comparative negligence to reduce their liability. Dordick Law Corporation aggressively counters these arguments and maximizes your recovery despite any partial fault.
How much does it cost to hire a product liability attorney?
Dordick Law Corporation represents product liability clients on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We advance investigation and expert costs, which we recover from your settlement or verdict. This arrangement ensures you can afford quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation. Contact us today to discuss your product liability claim with no obligation.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Contact Dordick Law Corporation today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Beverly Hills product liability lawyers are ready to investigate your claim, protect your rights, and pursue the maximum compensation available. Call us at (310) 736-2866 now or fill out our online form to get started on your path to justice.
