Legal Definitions - products-liability action

A products-liability action is a type of lawsuit that can be brought against a manufacturer, seller, or lessor of a product. This type of lawsuit can be brought for personal injury, death, or property damage caused by the product. It doesn't matter what legal theory is used to bring the lawsuit, as long as it is related to the product.

• A person buys a new car and the brakes fail, causing an accident and injury. The person can bring a products-liability action against the car manufacturer for the faulty brakes.
• A child is injured while playing with a toy that has small parts that break off and become a choking hazard. The child's parents can bring a products-liability action against the toy manufacturer for not making the toy safe for children.
• A person is injured while using a power tool that malfunctions. The person can bring a products-liability action against the manufacturer of the power tool for not making it safe to use.

These examples illustrate how a products-liability action can be brought against a manufacturer, seller, or lessor of a product for personal injury, death, or property damage caused by the product. It doesn't matter what legal theory is used to bring the lawsuit, as long as it is related to the product.