Strict Liability for Defective Products in Sugar Land, TX

Nowadays, consumer goods are more complex than ever before. Many are made of small parts and components that can easily break or malfunction. The safety and reliability of products cannot be taken for granted because defects do occur that can prove dangerous or even life-threatening. 

Texas law recognizes the importance of protecting consumers from defective products through the doctrine of strict liability. This legal principle allows individuals harmed by defective products to seek compensation without proving negligence on the part of the manufacturer or seller. 

The Capetillo Law Firm advocates for victims of defective products.

Understanding Strict Liability in Sugar Land, Texas

Strict liability is a legal doctrine that holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for any injuries their defective products may cause, regardless of the level of care exercised during production or distribution. 

In Texas, this principle is an integral part of both statute and case law, providing a robust framework for protecting consumers. 

Three main types of defects fall under strict liability: 

• Design defects
• Manufacturing defects
• Marketing defects (failure to warn). 

Each category encompasses various scenarios where the product deviates from its intended safety and performance standards.

Examples and Implications for Consumers

There are a wide array of possible scenarios that involve defective parts. 

• Consider a scenario where a child’s toy, designed with a detachable part small enough to be a choking hazard, leads to an unfortunate incident. 
• Imagine a situation where a flaw in the manufacturing process of a car’s braking system fails to operate correctly at a critical moment. 

These examples illustrate the types of product defects that could give rise to claims under Texas’s strict liability laws. 

To fit the criteria, the product must have been used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way when the injury occurred.

Is Strict Liability in Texas Different From Negligence? 

The requirements for establishing liability in personal injury law set strict liability apart from the idea of negligence. In cases of negligence, the person who suffered harm must demonstrate that the responsible party acted in a way that directly led to the accident. 

However, the focus is not on blame in circumstances involving strict liability, particularly in the area of product liability. If the legal representation for the injured individual can prove the necessary components of a product liability claim, the injured party may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer without the need to establish fault.

The elements of a strict product liability lawsuit in Texas include:

• The defendant manufacturer was the one who developed the contested product. It is a rare occurrence that distributors, wholesalers, and retailers be held liable for product-related accidents unless they sold the defective product or modified the product in a way that contributed to the injury.
• The product had a defect or condition at the time of purchase by the injured party, which led to their injuries. A manufacturer could counter this claim by arguing the injury was due to alterations made by the consumer post-purchase.
• The defect directly caused the injury to the plaintiff. Manufacturers might contend that another intervening event or the negligence of the injured party themselves was the actual cause of the injury.
• The injury was a foreseeable result of the defect, given the product’s nature and anticipated use or misuse. Manufacturers are liable for injuries from expected uses or misuses but not for unforeseen misuses.

Texas law enforces a two-year statute of limitations for filing product liability claims from the date the product was sold. Individuals considering such a lawsuit should seek advice from a legal expert promptly to understand their rights and the possibility of filing a claim.

It should be noted that the state of Texas does impose certain restrictions on strict product liability claims. For instance, if a product’s use results only in financial harm without physical injuries, the affected party must prove the manufacturer’s negligence caused the financial loss. 

For example, a fire caused by an electrical appliance without resulting in physical harm would necessitate a negligence claim, as strict product liability claims would not apply in such scenarios.

How Capetillo Law Firm Can Help

At Capetillo Law Firm, we understand the profound impact that a defective product can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to navigating the complexities of strict liability law in Texas. 

Our legal team will work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, we encourage you to reach out to us. By scheduling a free initial consultation, you can learn more about your rights and how we can assist you in your pursuit of justice. 

Contacting us is easy: simply submit our online form or call our office at (346) 249-5544. 

At Capetillo Law Firm, we are committed to standing by your side every step of the way, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.