What is a “misplaced reliance” defect in a defective products case?

A “misplaced reliance” defect occurs when someone is injured because of a product defect they were unaware of. This type of defect is especially relevant in defective products cases in West Virginia, which have very specific laws concerning product defects. In a “misplaced reliance” case, the plaintiff (the person suing) must show that the product in question had a defect which caused the injury, and that the plaintiff was unaware of the defect. Plaintiff must prove that they relied on the product manufacturer’s assurance that the product was safe and that their reliance was reasonable. Under West Virginia law, product manufacturers have a “duty of reasonable care” when it comes to product safety. This means they must make sure that their products are safe for consumers to use. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for damages the plaintiff is their due. In addition to demonstrating that the manufacturer had a “duty of reasonable care” and that the plaintiff relied on this assurance, the Plaintiff must also show that they suffered harm due to the defect. For example, if someone is injured by a defective product, they must demonstrate that their injuries were caused by the product and not by their own negligence. In conclusion, a “misplaced reliance” defect occurs when a plaintiff, unaware of a product defect, relies on the assurance of a manufacturer and suffers harm as a result. Under West Virginia law, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the manufacturer had a “duty of reasonable care” and that the plaintiff’s reliance was reasonable. The plaintiff must also prove that they suffered harm due to the product defect.

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