What are the differences between design defect and manufacturing defect claims?

Design defect claims and manufacturing defect claims are two distinct types of product liability claims. In North Carolina, a product liability claim is one that holds a seller accountable for an injury or death caused by a defect in their product. Design defect claims involve fault in the design of the product itself, and may be based on a variety of theories, such as negligence, breach of implied warranty, or strict liability. For instance, if a manufacturer manufactures a product such as a car that is not crash-proof, or a piece of furniture with jagged edges, someone may be able to bring a design defect claim against the manufacturer for failing to design a safe product. Manufacturing defect claims, on the other hand, involve an error in the manufacturing process that results in an injury or death. For example, if a manufacturer failed to properly test a part before it was integrated into the product, or failed to properly assemble the product, someone may be able to bring a manufacturing defect claim against the manufacturer. The primary difference between design defect claims and manufacturing defect claims is that the former involves fault in the design of the product itself, while the latter involves fault in the manufacturing process. Each has its own set of legal rules and standards that must be met to prove a claim, and each must be addressed with the help of experienced product liability attorneys.

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What are the differences between design defect and manufacturing defect claims?

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