What are the differences between a manufacturer’s warranty and a product liability claim?

The primary difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and a product liability claim is that a warranty covers what the manufacturer promises to do when the buyer notices a defect in the product, while a product liability claim assesses legal responsibility for the defect in the product itself. A manufacturer’s warranty is a contractual document that states what the manufacturer will do if a defect in the product becomes evident while being used as intended by the buyer. This usually includes repair or replacement of the item, and can even include a full refund of the purchase price. Warranties last for a finite period of time, such as one year or longer, and will often be contained in the product’s original documentation or given to the buyer separately by the seller. A product liability claim, on the other hand, is based on the legal responsibility that the manufacturer and seller have for the safety of their products. Under California product liability law, the manufacturer and seller are responsible to the customer for any defect in the product that causes injury or damage. An injured customer can sue the manufacturer and seller for damages, not just for a repair or a refund of the purchase price. This could include payment for pain and suffering, medical bills, or other costs related to the injury.

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What are the differences between a manufacturer’s warranty and a product liability claim?

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