What is strict liability?

In products liability cases, strict liability applies when certain conditions are met. Firstly, the product must have a defect, whether it be a manufacturing defect, a design flaw, or inadequate warnings or instructions. Secondly, the defect must be the cause of the plaintiff’s injuries or damages. Lastly, the product must have been used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable manner by the plaintiff.

Unlike cases based on negligence, strict liability does not require proving that the defendant acted negligently or breached a duty of care. Instead, it focuses on the inherent dangerous condition of the product itself. This legal doctrine recognizes that manufacturers and sellers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their products before they reach the hands of consumers. Strict liability shifts the burden of responsibility onto these parties, holding them accountable for any harm caused by the defects in their products, regardless of their level of care or knowledge of the defect.

Strict liability in products liability cases aims to protect consumers by promoting product safety and incentivizing manufacturers and sellers to prioritize quality control measures. It provides an avenue for injured individuals to seek compensation for their damages without having to prove negligence, making it a powerful legal tool for victims of defective products.