Injured by a Defective Product? Hillstone Law’s Riverside Product Liability Attorneys Can Help

When consumers purchase products, they do so with the expectation that those products are safe to use. Unfortunately, that trust is not always warranted. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 252,000 child injuries in 2014 alone due to dangerous or defective products.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty product in Riverside, California law allows you to pursue a product liability claim against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers who played a role in placing that defective item into your hands. At Hillstone Law, our Riverside product liability lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

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Understanding California Product Liability Law

California follows a strict liability rule in defective product cases. This means you don’t have to prove negligence—only that:

• The product was defective
• You were injured while using it
• The defect was a substantial factor in causing your injury

You may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit based on:

• Manufacturing defects
• Design defects
• Failure to warn or inadequate labeling

Even if you were partially at fault, California’s pure comparative fault standard still allows you to recover compensation, reduced in proportion to your share of fault.

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What You Must Prove in a Riverside Product Liability Case

Under California’s strict liability standard, plaintiffs must show that:

• The product was unreasonably dangerous due to a defect in manufacturing or design, or due to inadequate warnings
• You used the product as intended (or in a reasonably foreseeable way)
• The defect directly caused your injuries

There are two main legal tests to prove a design defect:

1. Consumer Expectation Test

You must show that the product did not perform safely as an ordinary consumer would expect when used reasonably.

2. Risk-Benefit Test

Once you show the product was defective, the burden shifts to the manufacturer to prove that the benefits of the design outweigh the risks. The court may examine:

• Feasibility of a safer alternative design
• Cost and practicality of alternatives
• Industry standards and foreseeable misuse

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Common Defenses Used by Manufacturers

Manufacturers often try to avoid liability by claiming:

• The product was misused or altered after purchase in an unforeseeable way
• The injured party had enough knowledge or experience with the product to recognize its risks

Even with these defenses, a skilled Riverside product liability attorney can build a strong case by preserving evidence, expert testimony, and thorough documentation.

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Time Limits for Filing

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim is:

• 2 years from the date of injury for personal injury claims
• 3 years for property damage claims

Waiting too long could jeopardize your case—so it’s critical to act quickly.

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What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Defective Product

If you’re considering a Riverside product liability claim, take the following steps:

• Save the product and any packaging or instructions
• Take photos of the product, your injuries, and the scene
• Seek medical treatment and keep all medical records and bills
• Avoid throwing anything away or attempting repairs
• Contact an attorney before speaking with the manufacturer or insurer

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Talk to a Riverside Product Liability Lawyer at Hillstone Law

Product liability cases are complex—but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Hillstone Law, we fight for injury victims across Riverside and throughout California. We’ll investigate your claim, gather expert evidence, and pursue full compensation for your injuries, losses, and suffering.

📞 Call Hillstone Law today at (310) 595-1222 for a free consultation.
No upfront fees. No recovery, no fee.