How do juries determine product liability claims?
When it comes to product liability claims in the state of Florida, it is up to a jury to determine the outcome of a case. The jury, typically made up of six to twelve jurors, must carefully consider the facts presented by the attorneys in the case. It is the jury’s job to decide whether or not the defendant is liable for any damages caused due to the product in question. In order to make a determination of product liability, the jury is instructed on what is called the “burden of proof.” The burden of proof means that the plaintiff in the case must prove that the defendant is liable for the damages or injuries. To prove this, the plaintiff must provide evidence such as expert witness testimony, product design documents, and company records. Furthermore, the jury must be convinced that the product caused the damages, and not something else such as user error. If the plaintiff can prove that the product was the cause of the damages, it is then up to the jury to determine the extent of the defendant’s liability. The jury must also make sure that the product was used properly and that any necessary warnings were given. The jury must assess whether the product was used as it was intended to be used or if the user’s negligence may have contributed to the damages. In making all of these determinations, the jury must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is liable for the damages. If the plaintiff can prove that the defendant was liable, the jury will award a judgement to the plaintiff, including damages that may have been caused by the product.
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