What Is the Product Liability Law in Georgia?

Imagine buying a chair that collapses the moment you sit on it. The injury is immediate, and the frustration is overwhelming. In Georgia, product liability laws exist to make sure companies answer for their mistakes. These laws protect consumers and hold businesses accountable for the safety of what they sell. Without them, dangerous products could go unchecked, and victims would bear the burden alone.

Understanding Product Liability in Georgia

Product liability refers to the responsibility manufacturers, distributors, and sellers have to ensure their products are safe for use. If a product causes harm because it’s defective, these parties can be held accountable. Georgia law identifies three main types of product defects: manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to warn.

A manufacturing defect happens when something goes wrong during production. For example, think of a batch of tires made with weak materials that result in blowouts. A design defect occurs when the product itself is flawed from the start, like a car seat that doesn’t properly secure a child in an accident. Failure to warn happens when companies don’t include adequate instructions or safety warnings. Imagine buying a chemical cleaner without clear labels about its harmful fumes. These three categories ensure that any oversight—from concept to production—is addressed.

Strict Liability in Product Cases

Georgia’s product liability laws include strict liability, which holds manufacturers accountable even if they didn’t act negligently. Picture a toy sold with small parts that pose a choking hazard. Even if the company didn’t intentionally make a dangerous toy, they’re still responsible for the harm it causes. Strict liability pushes companies to prioritize consumer safety by removing excuses for faulty products.

The Role of Comparative Negligence

Georgia also considers comparative negligence in product liability cases. This means the injured person’s actions may influence the outcome. For instance, if someone misuses a product against clear instructions and gets hurt, their compensation could be reduced. However, if the defect played a significant role in the injury, the manufacturer might still share responsibility. This ensures fairness while addressing both sides of the issue.

Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait Too Long

Time is critical in product liability cases. Georgia law gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. If the issue involves property damage, the window extends to four years. Waiting too long can mean losing the chance to seek justice. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence, from the defective product itself to witness accounts.

Real-Life Example: Pressure Cooker Incident

Consider a case from Atlanta involving a defective pressure cooker. A family suffered burns when the product exploded due to a faulty seal. The manufacturer claimed they had followed all safety protocols, but evidence showed they hadn’t adequately tested the product before selling it. The family received compensation for medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. This case underscores why Georgia’s product liability laws matter. They ensure companies can’t avoid responsibility for harm caused by negligence.

Steps to Take After an Injury

If a defective product harms you, act quickly. First, get medical care for your injuries. Even seemingly minor issues can escalate without proper treatment. Keep the product in its current condition and document everything. Take photos of the item, your injuries, and any related damage. Save receipts, packaging, and manuals. Report the issue to the seller or manufacturer, and keep records of all communications. Finally, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who understands Georgia’s product liability laws. They can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue fair compensation.

Georgia’s product liability laws protect people from the harm caused by defective products. They ensure companies take responsibility for their actions and encourage safer practices. If you’ve been injured by a faulty product, don’t wait to take action. Southside Injury Law is here to help. Visit Southside Injury Law to schedule a consultation today. Let us stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.