The exact time period varies from state to state. For example, a court found a seller not liable for injuries caused by a chair that collapsed and caused injury to the plaintiff three years after the plaintiff first bought it. Similarly, if your lawn mower is more than 15 years old, the maker is exempt from product liability laws. Another exemption to strict liability applies to thrift stores. If you buy something at a thrift shop, garage sale, flea market or swap meet, you cannot sue the vendor for any damage or injury that results from the product.
Strict liability applies only to businesses that regularly sell an item.
Your own carelessness is also a factor in whether or not you can sue. If you know about a defect but decide to use a product anyway and get hurt, the manufacturer is not at fault. If you alter the product in any substantial way, the manufacturer again is relieved of responsibility. For example, if you put the wrong tires on your car and they cause the car to be unstable and crash, the manufacturer cannot be held liable. Work with an experienced lawyer in your state.