Is there a limit on the amount of damages that can be awarded in a defective products case?

Yes, there is a limit on the amount of damages that can be awarded in a defective products case in California. This limit, known as the "statutory cap," is imposed by California law and is calculated according to the type of damages a plaintiff is seeking. For example, in cases involving personal injury or death, the damages are usually limited to a sum of $250,000 per plaintiff. This value applies regardless of the amount of economic or non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, that the plaintiff is seeking. However, it is important to note that in certain cases, the statutory cap may be higher than the $250,000. This includes cases in which the plaintiff is seeking punitive damages, or when the plaintiff is seeking damages from a manufacturer with an especially egregious history of producing defective products. In such cases, the statutory cap can reach up to $1 million. It is important to remember that the statutory cap is not an absolute limit. Plaintiffs may be able to make the case for a higher cap, depending on the specific facts of their case. In such instances, the court can use its judgement to decide whether it is reasonable to raise the cap in order to compensate the plaintiff for the injuries he or she has suffered.

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