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What is a manufacturing defect and how do I prove it?

On Behalf of | Jan 31, 2025 | Personal Injury |

Consumers never expect to sustain injury or illness from a product they believe to be safe. Still, manufacturing defects can turn everyday items into potential hazards. Knowing your legal options is crucial if you have been harmed due to a flawed product.

What is a manufacturing defect?

A manufacturing defect happens when a product does not meet the manufacturer’s original design specifications, making it unreasonably dangerous. For example:

  • A car with faulty brakes due to improper assembly.
  • A medication bottle containing the wrong pills.
  • A toy with small parts that easily detach, posing a choking hazard.
  • An electrical appliance with loose wiring that causes shocks.

On average, manufacturing defects affect a limited number of items in a product line, rather than the entire line itself. This differs from other types of product defects, such as design flaws or inadequate warnings.

Proving a manufacturing defect

To establish a successful claim for a manufacturing defect, you must demonstrate several key elements:

  • The product contained a defect that made it excessively hazardous.
  • The defect was present when the product departed from the manufacturer’s control.
  • The defect led to your injury.
  • The product was used as intended or in a way that was reasonably expected.

Gathering evidence is crucial in proving these elements. This may include the defective product, visual documentation of the product and any injuries it caused, as well as relevant medical records that detail the extent of your injuries. Having an expert testimony on the nature of the defect and documentation of similar incidents with the same product also helps.

It is important to note that New Jersey follows a strict liability doctrine for product defect cases. This means you do not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent, only that the product was defective and caused your injury.

Filing product liability claims is only allowable within two years from the injury, so acting promptly is essential. Legal representation can help you stay on schedule and fight for the compensation you deserve to receive.

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