What is a design defect?

A design defect is a flaw or mistake in the design of a product, which can cause the product to be dangerous to use or fail to function as intended. This often involves the product not being manufactured according to the design specifications and is typically the fault of the manufacturer. In Maryland, under the Dangerous Products Law, design defects are considered to be a form of product liability, which is the legal responsibility of the manufacturer to provide a safe product to consumers. This includes ensuring the product has been designed and manufactured in accordance with accepted safety standards. Design defects are often difficult to prove, and manufacturers may attempt to avoid responsibility by claiming the defect was an unforeseen consequence of the design, or that the consumer was using the product in an unintended manner. Nevertheless, when an accident occurs due to a design defect, the manufacturer can be held liable for any damages or injuries caused.

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