The manufacturer of a defective product may try to settle with the injured consumer. By offering a settlement, the manufacturer agrees to pay a certain amount of compensation to the injured consumer if they forego any further legal action against the company. The consumer and manufacturer also may resolve a lawsuit through trial. At trial, the injured party must demonstrate that the product in question was defective and that the manufacturer should have taken some reasonable action to address the problem. If the consumer fails to prove either of these elements, then this person may not be able to receive any compensation.