How does a plaintiff prove that a product was defectively designed?

In Tennessee, proving a defectively designed product is a complex process for a plaintiff. To prove a product was defectively designed, the plaintiff needs to prove that the product was unreasonably dangerous when it left the manufacturer, primarily due to a defect in the design. The plaintiff must also show that the defect existed when the product reached the user and was not the result of misuse or alteration of the product. Additionally, the plaintiff needs to show that there was an alternative design available that could have been used to make the product safer. The plaintiff must also prove that the defective product was the proximate cause of their injury. This means that the plaintiff must prove that the defective design was the foreseeable cause of their injury and not the result of other actions. Furthermore, the plaintiff must show that the product was used as intended and the injury was foreseeable. In addition to proving that the product was defectively designed, the plaintiff must also show that the product had a defect that the manufacturer should have been aware of and could have reasonably anticipated. This means the plaintiff needs to demonstrate that the manufacturer failed to take the necessary steps to eliminate the defect or warn the public before harm occurred. Finally, the plaintiff needs to show that the injury is a result of the defect in the design of the product. This requires medical evidence that shows the injury was caused by the defect, as well as evidence that the defect caused the injury and not other environmental factors.

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