Suppliers of component parts and lessors may be liable for injuries caused by defective products. Product Safety Switches. Some courts hold that all firms that manufactured and distributed DES during a certain period are liable for injuries in proportion to the firms respective shares of the market. Other courts hold all manufacturers jointly liable to plaintiffs and let the manufacturers sort out the contribution claims amongst themselves. The use must not be the one for which the product was designed and the misuse must not be reasonably foreseeable.
Most states consider a plaintiff s actions in apportioning liability.
Commonly Known Dangers Failing to warn against such a danger is not ground for liability. If a manufacturer complies with federal safety standards, it may avoid liability under state product liability laws. Statutes of Repose A statute of repose limits the time in which a suit can be filed. It runs from an earlier date and for a longer time than a statute of limitations. Some courts limit recovery to personal injuries.