Product Liability Attorney in San Francisco
When companies put profit over safety, people like you pay the price.
In 2024, 15.1 million people ended up in emergency departments for injuries related to consumer products. These are everyday items we’re supposed to trust.
We don’t have to stand for this.
A product liability attorney in San Francisco can hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for what they’ve done.
What Is Product Liability?
You should be able to trust the products you use. But this isn’t always the case.
Products can fail, and when they do, the consequences can be life-changing.
Product liability is what holds companies accountable when their products cause harm. It usually applies when something is:
- Designed in a way that makes it unsafe
- Poorly made
- Missing safety warnings
Have you been injured by a defective product? A product liability lawyer in San Francisco can protect your legal rights.
Most dangerous products in America
These three products cause the most injuries:
1. Stairs, ramps, landings, and floors (3.1 million injuries in 2024)
2. Beds, pillows, and mattresses (1.1 million injuries)
3. Chairs, sofas, and sofa beds (757,000 injuries)
Source: National Safety Council
3 Types of Product Defects
Product defects normally fall into three categories:
1. Design defects
Definition
When a product isn’t designed properly from the start
Examples
- Missing parts
- Faulty wiring
- Unstable furniture
2. Manufacturing defects
Definition
When a product isn’t manufactured correctly, even if the design itself is safe
Examples
- Overheating electrical appliances
- Contamination in food/medication
- Defective car brakes
3. Marketing defects
Definition
When a product becomes dangerous because of inadequate instructions or labeling
(Also known as failure to warn or instruct)
Examples
- No warnings about choking hazards
- Incorrect dosage information on medication
- Lack of safety instructions on construction machinery
Who To File a Product Liability Claim Against
You might think that the manufacturer is always liable when a product is defective. However, anyone in the supply chain can be held accountable:
- Designer: The company that designs the product.
- Manufacturer: The company that makes the product.
- Distributor: The company that stores or transports the product.
- Wholesaler: The company that sells the product to retailers.
- Retailer: The company that sells the product to consumers.
Sometimes, it’s really hard to know who’s responsible for a defective product, and more than one company could be to blame.
This is why you need to hire a product liability attorney in San Francisco. The right one can determine who caused you harm and make them face the consequences.
Product Liability and Your Rights in California
The good news is that California law strongly protects consumers injured by defective products. Product liability claims may be based on:
- Strict liability: The company can be held responsible even if they weren’t negligent when the product is proven defective and caused harm (different from regular personal injury claims).
- Negligence: The company failed to act reasonably to prevent harm.
- Breach of warranty: The product didn’t do what the company promised.
Each one of these claims has different requirements and potential damages. A product liability lawyer can tell you about the best options for your situation.
What Compensation Can You Get After Filing a Product Liability Claim?
It all depends on what happened and how it affected you. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Every claim is different, but having a product liability attorney on your side can help you pursue the best possible outcome.
Serious injury involving a defective product
Settlement amount: $9.6 million
In one product liability case, Stoll & Haynes recovered a confidential settlement of $9.6 million after two-and-a-half years of litigation. Our client had suffered brain damage resulting in quadriplegia.
Read more of our success stories.
Wrongful death from a product defect
If a loved one’s death was caused by a defective product, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim in California. Compensation may cover funeral costs, medical costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages.
We know that filing a claim for a wrongful death is really hard when you’re grieving a loved one. That’s why we handle each one with compassion and care.
What To Do After Being Injured by a Product
Take action as soon as possible:
- Seek medical attention. Even small injuries can have long-lasting effects.
- Preserve the product as best you can. Don’t repair it or throw it away.
- Document everything. Take photos of the product and keep packaging, receipts, and warranties in a safe place.
- Don’t say anything yet. Never discuss your injuries with the manufacturer (or anyone else) until you contact a product liability attorney in San Francisco. Anything you do say could be held against you later.
- Get legal advice. A defective product attorney can explain next steps and file a product liability claim for you.
Most dangerous products for children
These three products cause the most injuries among 0-4-year-olds:
1. Soaps and detergents (12,530 injuries in 2024)
2. Cooking ranges, ovens, etc. (9,062 injuries)
3. TV sets and stands (6,467 injuries)
Source: National Safety Council
Do You Really Need to Hire a Product Liability Attorney in San Francisco?
The responsible party’s insurance company may try to fight your product liability claim. They could say that you’re to blame or that there was nothing wrong with the product in the first place.
Don’t fall for these tricks.
Instead, get in touch with a Bay Area product liability lawyer who’s on your side.
A defective product attorney at Stoll & Haynes can:
- Investigate what really happened
- Determine who’s at fault
- Negotiate a fair and full settlement with insurers on your behalf
- Represent you in court, if it comes to this
Product Liability Attorney in San Francisco FAQs
Who is responsible when I file a product liability claim in California?
Anyone in the supply chain may be held responsible, including the manufacturer, designer, wholesaler, or retailer. A product liability lawyer in San Francisco can identify the liable party or parties.
Do I have to prove the company was negligent in a product liability claim?
Not necessarily. Some claims can be based on strict liability, which means you don’t need to prove the company was negligent. You’ll still need to prove the product was defective and caused harm.
How long do I have to file a claim in California if I was injured by a product?
California generally gives 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. Other types of claims may have different deadlines. Contact a product liability attorney in San Francisco to learn more.
Contact Stoll & Haynes Today
We constantly hear news stories about products causing injuries, and it has to stop. When a product is defective, people are at risk.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need advice about your specific situation, please contact Stoll & Haynes directly.