Product Liability: How Defective Products Can Cause Injury

Every day, we rely on products to make life easier—appliances, electronics, toys, tools, even vehicles. Most of the time, they work perfectly. But sometimes, a product can be defective, unsafe, or poorly designed, and the results can be frightening and life-changing.

Imagine this: you buy a new toaster, excited to make breakfast for your family. One morning, it sparks and causes a small fire, leaving you with burns on your hand and smoke damage in your kitchen. You trusted this product to be safe, but a defect caused serious harm. This is exactly the type of situation that product liability laws are meant to address.

What Is Product Liability?

Product liability is a legal concept that holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible when a defective product causes injury. In New York, these laws are designed to protect consumers and ensure that companies take responsibility for the products they put on the market.

If a defective product harms you, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and even emotional distress.

Types of Product Defects

Defects generally fall into three categories:

• Design defects: The product is unsafe by design. For example, a ladder with a weak base that tips easily or a children’s toy with parts small enough to pose a choking hazard.

• Manufacturing defects: Something goes wrong during production, even if the design is safe. Think of a car with a brake system installed incorrectly.

• Marketing defects (or failure to warn): The product is missing important safety instructions or warnings. For example, a cleaning chemical that can burn skin without a proper label.

Understanding the type of defect is important for building a strong case.

Common Product Liability Injuries

Defective products can cause a wide range of injuries:

• Cuts, burns, or lacerations from faulty machinery or household appliances

• Broken bones or fractures from unsafe sports equipment

• Chemical burns from improperly labeled cleaning products

• Choking or suffocation from small toy parts

• Vehicle-related injuries from defective brakes or airbags

Going back to the toaster example, the burns you suffer are physical injuries, and the stress of worrying about using other appliances may count as emotional distress. Both are recognized under New York’s product liability laws.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In New York, liability doesn’t only fall on the manufacturer. Anyone in the supply chain—distributors, wholesalers, and retailers—could potentially be held responsible. This is called strict liability, which means you don’t have to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused your injury.

Why Documentation Matters

If you’re injured by a defective product, collecting evidence is key:

• Keep the product—don’t throw it away.

• Take photos of the defect, your injuries, and the accident scene.

• Save receipts and packaging as proof of purchase.

• Seek medical attention and keep records of treatment.

Strong documentation strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of fair compensation.

Why You Need an Attorney

Product liability cases can be complicated. Companies often have experienced lawyers and insurance teams protecting them. Trying to handle a claim on your own can be overwhelming and may result in a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses.

A Mahopac, NY personal injury attorney can help you:

• Investigate the defect and identify responsible parties

• Gather evidence to support your claim

• Calculate damages, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering

• Negotiate with insurance companies or represent you in court

Having professional guidance ensures your claim is handled correctly while you focus on healing.

Final Thoughts

Defective products can turn everyday life into a stressful, painful experience. Product liability laws exist to protect consumers and hold companies accountable. Whether it’s a faulty appliance, unsafe toy, or defective vehicle part, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

If you’ve been hurt by a defective product, speaking with a Mahopac, NY personal injury attorney can provide the guidance, support, and peace of mind you need. With the right help, you can focus on recovery while your attorney fights to secure the compensation you deserve.