Defective products can cause severe harm to consumers. In Utah, the law ensures accountability for manufacturers, distributors, and sellers when their products cause injuries. Understanding these legal protections can help those who have been harmed seek justice and compensation.
Types of product defects
Utah law recognizes three primary types of product defects. Design defects occur when a product’s design is inherently unsafe. Manufacturing defects happen during the production process and affect certain units of the product. Marketing defects involve inadequate instructions or failure to warn consumers about potential risks. Each type of defect can lead to liability if it causes harm.
Strict liability for defective products
Utah applies strict liability to many defective product cases. Under strict liability, injured parties do not need to prove negligence. Instead, they must show that the product was defective, the defect caused their injury, and they used the product as intended. This legal standard helps individuals focus on proving the defect rather than fault.
Filing a claim for defective product injuries
Those harmed by defective products in Utah must act within the statute of limitations. Generally, injured parties have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Gathering evidence, such as the defective product itself, medical records, and witness statements, strengthens a personal injury claim. Working with an attorney familiar with Utah’s product liability laws can simplify the process.
Shared responsibility for injuries
Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If an injured party shares some responsibility for their injury, their compensation may be reduced. For example, if someone uses a product in an unintended way and sustains injuries, their recovery could be affected. Courts determine the percentage of fault to calculate compensation.
Product liability laws protect Utah consumers by holding companies accountable for unsafe products. Those who have been injured by defective products can seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Legal action ensures accountability and encourages safer products in the future.