It can be difficult to tell when a product is defective, or when a defective product is the cause of an accident or injury. A product may be dangerous without actually being defective. For example, power tools pose certain risks to users, even when they are used correctly.

However, this does not mean that a person can bring a claim against a manufacturer if they are injured while using a power tool. In order to be considered “defective,” a product must have some flaw that renders it unreasonably unsafe for normal use.

There are three main types of product defects:

• Design Defects – A design defect affects an entire line of products. This occurs when the actual design of the product makes it unreasonably unsafe for typical use. In other words, the product is designed in such a way that it poses an unreasonable risk of serious, foreseeable harm to the user. Examples include vehicles that are top-heavy, causing them to roll over when making sharp turns, or electronic products that are highly flammable.
• Manufacturing Defects – Unlike design defects, manufacturing defects only affect certain units within a line of products. These defects occur when a product has been properly designed but a flaw is introduced during the production phase. For example, industrial equipment that is produced with missing components or an airbag that is improperly installed into a vehicle would both be an example of a manufacturing defect.
• Labeling Defects – A labeling defect occurs when a product is missing important safety warnings, instructions, and/or other labels. One common example is pharmaceutical medications that do not contain a full list of possible side effects. Similar to a labeling defect, a product may contain a marketing defect. This occurs when a product is marketed for untested and/or unapproved uses, such as an anti-nausea medication prescribed to pregnant women despite being untested for this use.

At Steele Adams Hosman, our Salt Lake City product liability lawyers work with a team of experts who assist in compiling evidence and testifying as to whether a product contained a defect and whether this defect contributed to or caused our clients’ injuries. We know how to build powerful, persuasive claims and are always willing to fight for our clients, even if that means going to trial.