Product Liability Laws in Pennsylvania

Product Liability Laws in Pennsylvania

When people buy a product from a company, they expect that it is safe to use and will function properly. In most cases, this is true and there are no problems. Other times, defective products might be created by a manufacturer. When this happens, the product can malfunction and put consumers at risk of being injured. If a manufacturer is negligent in ensuring the safety of their customers when producing a product, they may be held responsible for causing the injury. This is known as product liability. If you were injured by a defective product, it is important to contact an experienced attorney.

What is Product Liability?

Companies are obligated to create products that are safe for consumers to use. This is called product liability. When companies do not provide this standard of care, product liability holds them accountable for producing a faulty product. If mistakes are made or manufacturers deviate from the usual guidelines in creating their products, these products can become defective and hurt the consumers who buy them. This is sometimes seen with children’s toys, household appliances, or motor vehicles. If a product is made that might cause injury if it is used incorrectly, product liability laws require companies to provide consumers with a label instructing them how to use it in a safe manner. If they fail to do so, the manufacturer could be held responsible if an individual is hurt as a result of their neglect. If a person is injured because of a defective product, they may be able to hold the company accountable through product liability laws.

Types of Cases

There are many different ways an individual can become injured as a result of a defective product. There are three types of defect cases typically seen in court:

  • Design defect: A product’s design can cause injuries if the designer does not consider the user’s safety when creating it. In a lawsuit, the injured must prove that a safer and economically attainable alternative design could have been used.
  • Manufacturer defect: If a manufacturer does not follow the usual guidelines when producing a product, it may have defects that can injure a person. In a lawsuit, the injured must prove that these guidelines were not followed when creating the product.
  • Failure to warn: If a company does not provide warning labels for products that can cause harm if they are used improperly. Consumers should not throw out the product because it can be used as evidence in court.


If a consumer is injured as a result of a defective product, they may receive financial compensation for the injuries they sustained. When medical assistance is necessary, the injured person could find themselves overcome with bills and other finances. If a company is responsible for their injury, they may owe the injured compensation to cover these costs.

Contact our Firm

If you have been injured as a result of a defective product and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Offices of Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today.


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