What Are Common Types of Product Defects?

As a consumer, you have the right to buy safe products. You should be able to trust that the manufacturers and companies that make these products have your safety in mind. Unfortunately, this is not always true. Many companies care more about profit than quality assurance and consumer protection. They may unknowingly or even intentionally sell products with product defects.

These defects can cause serious injury and harm. When this occurs, you should speak with our product liability attorneys in Denver. You may have a viable claim to file a product liability lawsuit against the negligent manufacturer.

Types of Product Defects

From cars to hairdryers, there have been product defects in virtually every type of household good and appliance. Consumers are not always aware of the many different ways products can harm them. In general, a product defect will fit into one of three categories.

Design Defect

One type of product defect is a design defect. When a product contains a defect in the design, it can cause significant injury and harm. In some cases, a design defect could signal that the manufacturer did not properly test their product before sale. It could also show that the manufacturer ignored a design defect.

Common examples of design defects include:

• Product intended for children that contains choking hazards
• Products like a helmet that cracks or breaks from small impact
• Products prone to melting
• Unstable structures, such as tables or chairs that collapse
• Mechanical defects on cars and trucks

Manufacturing Defect

A manufacturing defect is another type of product defect. When an error occurs during the manufacturing of a product, it can cause a dangerous defect. In these types of cases, only certain products may contain the defect.

Many product liability lawsuits fall under this category. Unlike other types of injury claims, product liability claims are liability without fault. This means that a manufacturer does not have to act negligently or maliciously to have the courts impose liability. Common examples of manufacturing defects include:

• Incorrectly attached parts
• Improperly installed electrical circuits
• Improperly manufactured plastic or material
• Incorrect bolts or fasteners

Marketing Defect

When a company fails to market its product with consumer safety in mind, this is a marketing defect. Marketing defects can cause serious injury and even death. As a result, the manufacturer is strictly liable for the damages caused. Common examples of marketing defects include:

• Incorrect user instructions
• False claims
• Failure to warn consumer of risks
• Advertisements encouraging improper use
• Improper warning labels

U.S. Defective Product Statistics (Updated for 2022)

The first quarter of 2022 was marked by increased enforcement and stricter pursual over the consumer product, automotive, and medical industries. According to Sedgwick’s 2022 Recall Index, there were 900+ million recalled products during Q1, the highest in the past decade.

Key highlights from 2022’s Q1 product recall data:

• Consumer product recalls skyrocketed 63.8%, the highest in 5+ years.
• Number of units recalls jumped 161%.
• Automotive recalls jumped to 9.3 million units, an increase of 114.2%.
• Medical device recalls saw a historic increase of 2,624.9% with an average recall size of 1.5 million+ units. Approaching a 15 year high.
• Pharmaceuticals saw an average recall of 4.6 million units per event with a total recall of 434 million+ units. A 15 year high.

Looking forward, the Recall Index report predicts an increase in regulation. For consumer products, regulators are seeking the ban of crib bumpers, as well as a focus on sustainability in the fashion industry. The automotive industry may see a crackdown on autonomous and electric vehicles. The FDA seeks to bring its Quality Systems Regulation up to par with other nations on medical device manufacturing.

Stay Up-to-date On Defective and Recalled Products

Staying informed is a great way to keep yourself protected from defective products. These websites are a great resource on safety recalls and defects.

• Recalls.gov – Reports recalls from federal agencies
• Safercar.gov – publishes safety information on vehicles and equipment
• CPSS.gov/recalls – lists consumer product recalls and defective units

Product liability law can be complex. You need an experienced attorney on your side. Your lawyer will need to investigate the product and the type of product defect to build your case.

Showing that the product contained a defect takes considerable skill, time and resources. Therefore, injured consumers should contact a product liability attorney as soon as possible.

Contact a Product Liability Attorney in Denver Today

Product manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. When consumers get injured, they have the right to seek compensation. These cases are often difficult and require the skills of an experienced product liability attorney.

At Dormer Harpring, our product liability attorneys in Denver can help you through this difficult time. We know that manufacturers often have large legal teams on their side. As such, you need an aggressive law firm on yours.

Call Dormer Harpring today at (303) 747-4404 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information. Our personal injury lawyers in Denver can review your legal options with you, so you can choose the one that is best for you and your situation.