What is a “fraudulent misrepresentation” defense to a product liability claim?

A “fraudulent misrepresentation” defense to a product liability claim is a claim that the plaintiff was misled about the product, either by the manufacturer or a seller. This defense is available under New York law, which states that a claimant must demonstrate that the product was “unreasonably dangerous due to the existence of a material misrepresentation of fact about the product that was either made by the manufacturer of the product or by a seller of the product.” This defense can be a complete defense to a product liability claim, meaning that the defendant may not be held liable for a product liability claim if the defense is successful. In the context of a product liability claim, a fraudulent misrepresentation can include a false description of the product, including false statements about the nature of the product or its performance. In particular, a plaintiff would need to demonstrate that a seller or the manufacturer misrepresented the product, that the misrepresentation was material to the sale or manufacture of the product, and that the plaintiff was unaware of the misrepresentation at the time of purchase or use. The plaintiff must also show that the manufacturer or seller made the misrepresentation intentionally or with gross negligence and that the misrepresentation was directly responsible for harm suffered. If a product liability claim is based off of a fraudulent misrepresentation, the defendant can use this defense to argue that they are not liable for the plaintiff’s damages. By successfully using this defense, the defendant may be relieved of liability, depending on the facts and evidence of the case. Therefore, it is important to understand what a fraudulent misrepresentation defense to a product liability claim is and how it is used in New York law.

Related FAQs

What is a warning label defense?
What is the burden of proof in a product liability case?
What is a “comparative negligence” defense to a product liability claim?
What is an “implied warranty” defense to a product liability claim?
What types of damages can I receive if I win a products liability lawsuit?
What is a “pre-emptive” defense to a product liability claim?
What remedies are available to a plaintiff in a product liability case?
What is a statutory defense?
What is the Uniform Product Liability Act?
Can I sue for emotional distress caused by a defective product?

Related Blog Posts

What Is The Scope of Dangerous Products Law? - July 31, 2023
How Can a Lawyer Help Me With a Dangerous Product Lawsuit? - August 7, 2023
What Are the Most Common Dangerous Product Lawsuits? - August 14, 2023
Understanding Product Liability and Negligence in Dangerous Products Law - August 21, 2023
Defending Against Dangerous Products Law Claims - August 28, 2023