When a defective product causes you injury, the consequences extend far beyond the initial harm. Medical bills accumulate, lost wages mount, and the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Defective products cause thousands of injuries annually across Southern California, and manufacturers, designers, and sellers bear responsibility for the harm they cause. At Dordick Law Corporation, we understand the complexities of product liability claims and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced legal team investigates every aspect of your case, from the product’s design and manufacturing to the warnings provided. We represent clients on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees. If a defective product has injured you or a loved one in Riverside, call or contact us today to discuss your claim during a free consultation.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your Product Liability Claim?
Dordick Law Corporation brings extensive experience handling complex product liability claims throughout Riverside and California. Our attorneys understand the technical aspects of product design and manufacturing, the medical complexities of serious injuries, and the legal strategies that maximize compensation. We maintain deep knowledge of Riverside’s local courts, judges, and opposing counsel, giving us strategic advantages in settlement negotiations and litigation.
We provide personalized attention to every client, taking time to understand your specific circumstances and the full impact of your injuries. Our free initial consultation allows you to discuss your claim with an experienced attorney at no cost or obligation. We handle all aspects of your case, from investigation through trial, and we work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
When you choose Dordick Law Corporation, you gain advocates committed to holding manufacturers accountable and securing the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you recover from your product liability injury.
What Is Product Liability?
Product liability law holds manufacturers, designers, and sellers accountable when defective products cause injury or property damage. A product is considered defective under California law when it fails to perform as safely as a reasonable consumer would expect, or when the manufacturer fails to provide adequate warnings about known dangers.
Establishing product liability requires demonstrating that the product was defective, the defect caused your injury, and you suffered damages as a result. This legal framework protects consumers by incentivizing companies to design safer products and provide clear warnings about potential dangers.
Our product liability attorneys have extensive experience pursuing these claims on behalf of injured consumers throughout Southern California. In Riverside and throughout California, injured consumers can pursue claims against any party in the distribution chain, from the manufacturer to the retailer who sold the product.
Types of Product Defects
Product liability claims fall into three distinct categories:
- Design defects occur when the product’s design itself is inherently unsafe, even when manufactured correctly.
- Manufacturing defects arise when a product deviates from its intended design during production, making it unsafe.
- Marketing defects involve inadequate warnings, instructions, or failure to disclose known hazards.
Common Defective Products That Cause Injuries in Riverside
Defective products span virtually every category of consumer goods. Some of these products are:
- Automotive defects (brakes, airbags, transmissions)—including faulty brakes, defective airbags, and transmission failures—cause serious injuries and fatalities on Riverside roads.
- Children’s products—with choking hazards, toxic materials, or design flaws—pose particular danger to vulnerable users.
- Household appliances—such as defective heaters, faulty electrical systems, and malfunctioning pressure cookers—can cause burns, fires, and explosions.
- Medical devices present another significant category of product liability claims. Defective hip implants, faulty pacemakers, and contaminated surgical equipment cause serious complications and require additional surgeries.
- Pharmaceutical products with undisclosed side effects or inadequate warnings harm thousands of consumers annually.
- Construction equipment with safety failures and design defects exposes workers to catastrophic injuries on job sites throughout Riverside County.
Each of these product categories generates liability claims because manufacturers have a duty to design safe products, manufacture them according to specifications, and warn consumers about known dangers. When companies fail in these responsibilities, they must answer for the injuries they cause. If you’ve been injured by a defective product in Riverside, our Riverside personal injury attorneys can help you pursue full compensation.
What You Must Prove in a Product Liability Lawsuit
California law requires you to establish three essential elements to succeed in a product defect liability claim. First, you must prove the product was defective—either in its design, manufacture, or marketing. This means demonstrating that the product failed to perform as safely as a reasonable consumer would expect, or that adequate warnings about known dangers were not provided.
Second, you must establish causation—that the product’s defect directly caused your injury. This requires medical evidence linking your specific injuries to the defective product. For example, if a defective brake system caused a vehicle collision that injured you, you must demonstrate the causal connection between the brake failure and your injuries. Our personal injury attorneys work with medical experts to establish this critical link.
Third, you must prove you suffered damages—quantifiable losses resulting from your injury. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability or disfigurement. Our experienced legal team at Dordick Law Corporation handles the burden of proof, working with experts to establish each element and building an irrefutable case on your behalf.
How Dordick Law Corporation Handles Product Liability Claims
Our approach to product liability claims combines thorough investigation with expert analysis and aggressive advocacy.
- We begin by securing the defective product itself and documenting its condition, design, and any warnings or instructions.
- Our team collects your medical records, documenting the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received.
- We gather evidence of your lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages resulting from the defect.
- We work with independent experts—engineers, medical professionals, and product safety specialists—who analyze the product and provide expert testimony about how and why it failed. These experts examine whether the product was defectively designed, whether manufacturing deviations occurred, or whether adequate warnings were provided.
- We investigate the manufacturer’s knowledge of similar defects, prior complaints, and any recalls issued for the product. Our investigation process is informed by standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and California consumer protection laws.
- Throughout this process, we build a compelling case demonstrating that the product was defective, that the defect caused your specific injury, and that you deserve full compensation for your damages. We handle all aspects of your claim, from initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial.
Because we represent clients on a contingency basis, you incur no upfront costs—we advance the expenses of investigation and expert analysis, recovering our fees only when we secure compensation for you. Our case results demonstrate our track record of success in recovering substantial settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
Compensation Available in Riverside Product Liability Claims
Product liability claims can recover multiple categories of damages:
- Economic damages include all quantifiable financial losses: medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment; lost wages from time away from work; and costs for future medical care if your injuries require long-term treatment.
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. These damages recognize the profound impact serious injuries have on your quality of life and relationships. Under California Civil Code § 1431.2, these damages are protected from certain limitations.
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages: In cases where a manufacturer’s conduct demonstrates oppression, fraud, or malice—such as knowingly selling a dangerous product despite awareness of the defect—California law permits punitive damages under Civil Code § 3294. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct by other companies.
Settlements are calculated based on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, the strength of liability evidence, and comparable verdicts in similar cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for product liability claims in California?
California law provides a two-year statute of limitations for product liability claims, measured from the date you discovered your injury or reasonably should have discovered it under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, exceptions exist for latent injuries that don’t manifest immediately. Some defective products cause injuries that develop gradually over time—for example, certain pharmaceuticals or medical devices may cause harm that becomes apparent months or years after exposure. If you believe you have a product liability claim, contact us promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable deadline.
Can I sue the retailer if I purchased a defective product?
Yes, retailers can be held liable as part of the distribution chain. While manufacturers bear primary responsibility for designing and manufacturing safe products, retailers who sell defective products can also face liability. This means you may pursue claims against the retailer where you purchased the product, the manufacturer, the distributor, or any combination of these parties. Our personal injury attorneys evaluate your specific circumstances to identify all potentially liable parties and maximize your recovery.
What if the product has a warning label?
The presence of a warning label does not automatically shield a manufacturer from liability. California law recognizes the “inadequate warning doctrine,” which holds that warnings must be clear, conspicuous, and adequately communicate the nature and extent of the danger. If a warning is buried in fine print, uses technical language a reasonable consumer wouldn’t understand, or fails to convey the severity of the risk, it may be deemed inadequate.
Additionally, if a manufacturer knew of a danger but failed to warn consumers at all, liability attaches regardless of any generic warnings present.
How long does a product liability case typically take?
The timeline for product liability cases varies significantly based on case complexity and whether the matter settles or proceeds to trial. Many cases resolve through settlement negotiations within 12 to 24 months. Cases requiring extensive expert analysis, multiple defendants, or complex medical issues may take longer. If your case proceeds to trial, you should anticipate 1 to 3 years from filing to verdict. Our attorneys work efficiently to move your case forward while ensuring thorough investigation and preparation. Review our case results to see how we’ve handled similar matters.
Do I have to pay attorney fees upfront?
No. Dordick Law Corporation represents product liability clients on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees, no hourly rates, and no costs unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all investigation expenses, expert fees, and litigation costs. We only recover our fees from the settlement or verdict we obtain on your behalf. This arrangement ensures that cost never prevents you from pursuing justice against manufacturers who cause you harm.
What evidence do I need to file a product liability claim?
The most important evidence is the defective product itself—we need to examine and document the product that caused your injury. You should also gather your medical records documenting your injuries and treatment, proof of purchase showing you acquired the product, and documentation of your damages, including medical bills, pay stubs showing lost wages, and receipts for expenses related to your injury. Photographs of your injuries and the defective product are helpful. If you have any communications with the manufacturer or retailer regarding the defect, preserve those as well. Our attorneys guide you through the evidence collection process and work with experts to develop additional evidence supporting your claim.
Contact Our Product Liability Attorneys in Riverside Today
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, you may also have claims under other areas of personal injury law. Contact Dordick Law Corporation.
Depending on the circumstances, you might pursue premises liability claims if the injury occurred on someone else’s property, or medical malpractice claims if a defective medical device was involved in negligent treatment. Our team of attorneys’ comprehensive approach ensures we identify all available legal remedies.
Contact us or call us at (310) 341-7176 for a free consultation. Our law firm can get you the compensation you deserve.
