Legal Definitions - consumer-user-contemplation test

The consumer-user-contemplation test is a method used to hold a manufacturerresponsible for any harm caused by their product if it is found that the danger posed by the product is greater than what a reasonable consumer would expect. This test is also known as the consumer-expectation test.

For example, if a person purchases a hair dryer and it catches fire while being used in a normal manner, causing injury to the user, the manufacturer may be held liable if it is found that the danger of the hair dryer catching fire was greater than what a reasonable consumer would expect from a hair dryer.

This test is different from the risk-utility test, which considers whether the benefits of a product outweigh its risks.