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Injured by a Defective Product in San Francisco? Hillstone Law Can Help
California offers some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country—especially when it comes to product-related injuries. If you were injured by a dangerous or defective product in San Francisco, you may have the right to pursue compensation under California’s strict product liability laws. These laws prioritize consumer safety over corporate protection and make it easier for victims to hold manufacturers and sellers accountable.
At Hillstone Law, our San Francisco product liability attorneys are ready to help you navigate these complex claims and fight for the justice you deserve.
Understanding California’s Strict Product Liability Law
California applies a strict liability standard to defective product claims. That means you don’t have to prove the company acted negligently or intended harm—only that:
- The product was defective
- The defect caused your injury
- You used the product as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way
This legal doctrine ensures that the burden of injury compensation falls on the manufacturer or seller, not the injured consumer.
Elements of a Strict Liability Claim in California
To successfully bring a strict liability case in San Francisco, you must show:
- The product was defective
- The defect existed when it left the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer
- You used the product in a reasonably foreseeable manner
- The defect caused personal injury or property damage beyond the product itself
If the product failed without causing injury or external property damage, strict liability may not apply.
Types of Product Defects
You only need to prove one of the following to pursue a product liability case:
- Design Defect – The product was inherently dangerous due to its design
- Manufacturing Defect – The product was safe in design, but something went wrong during the manufacturing process
- Failure to Warn – The product lacked proper warnings or instructions to alert users of potential risks
How California Tests for Design Defects
California law uses two legal tests to determine if a product’s design is defective:
1. Consumer Expectation Test
The product must perform safely as an ordinary consumer would expect during normal or reasonably foreseeable use.
2. Risk-Benefit Test
If the design contributed to your injury, the manufacturer must prove that the benefits of the design outweigh its risks. Courts will consider factors like the availability of safer alternatives and the cost of implementing a safer design.
Anyone in the product’s distribution chain—including designers, manufacturers, distributors, or retailers—can be held legally responsible.
What If the Company Is Out of State?
California’s product liability laws apply to any injury that happens within the state, even if the responsible company is based elsewhere. If you were injured in San Francisco, California law protects you—regardless of where the product came from.
Consult a San Francisco Product Liability Attorney at Hillstone Law
Product liability cases can be legally complex and fact-intensive. At Hillstone Law, we work with medical experts, engineers, and investigators to build strong cases for those injured by defective products.
📞 Call (310) 595-1222 for a free consultation with a San Francisco product liability attorney.
There’s no fee unless we win your case.
Let Hillstone Law protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
