There are three main types of product defects: design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn defects.
Design Defects
A design defect occurs when a product’s design is inherently flawed or dangerous. This type of defect can affect an entire production line, as even if the product is manufactured correctly, the defect is still present. Common examples of design defects include toys with small parts that present a choking hazard, a defective fan guard that allows fingers to become easily trapped, or a blade guard on a power tool that doesn’t adequately protect the user.
Manufacturing Defects
These occur when a product has a safe design, but a mistake during the creation or assembly process introduces the defect. Depending on the product and how it is produced, a manufacturing defect can affect just a few products or a massive production run.
An example of a manufacturing defect is food or medication being contaminated due to errors in packaging.
Failure to Warn Defects
Many products are dangerous, even if we use them as instructed. Products like hedge trimmers, drills, saws, and medication can cause severe harm if misused. Even a flat iron can cause painful burns.
While common sense should prevail in most cases, it’s not a legal defense, so products should always be accompanied by instructions and warnings educating consumers about proper use.
If they don’t, and a catastrophic injury results, our product liability lawyers in San Antonio may be able to help you recover compensation.