What types of parties can be held liable for a defective product?

In the state of North Carolina, parties that can be held liable for a defective product include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, suppliers, product designers, and assemblers. Manufacturers can be held liable if a product was not manufactured in the manner expected of them, or if the product contained a manufacturing defect. Distributors can be held liable if they delivered a defective product. Retailers can be held liable if they sold a defective product to the consumer, or if they failed to notify the consumer of possible risks associated with the product. Suppliers can be held liable if they provided a defective component or raw material. Product designers and engineers can be held liable if their design was flawed or dangerous. Finally, assemblers can be held liable if they failed to properly assemble a product. In North Carolina, all of these parties may be held liable in a product liability case. The plaintiff must prove that the product in question was defective, that the defect caused an injury, and that the defendant had a duty to make sure that the product was safe. If the plaintiff is successful in doing this, the defendant may be liable for any medical expenses, lost wages, and damage to property caused by the defective product.

Related FAQs

Is there the ability to sue a manufacturer for a defective product?
What is a “misplaced reliance” defect in a defective products case?
How is negligence determined in a defective products case?
What is the “risk-utility test” in defective products law?
What are the legal remedies available in defective products cases?
What is a “failure to warn” defect in a defective products case?
What are my rights in a defective products case?
Are punitive damages available in defective products cases?
Are there any defenses available against a defective products claim?
What is the duty of a manufacturer regarding a defective product?

What types of parties can be held liable for a defective product?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts