When a product you trust causes harm, the effects can be devastating. Whether it's a malfunctioning household appliance, a lithium battery fire, or a poorly made toy that injures a child, victims in Tennessee and California have legal options. Understanding how product liability laws work in both states can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions.
What Counts as a Defective Product?
Not every product that breaks or causes an accident is legally defective. For a product to be considered defective under the law, it typically falls into one of three categories:
- Design defects: The product was inherently dangerous even before it was manufactured
- Manufacturing defects: A mistake during production made the item unsafe
- Marketing defects: The product lacked proper warnings or instructions
Both Tennessee and California allow injured consumers to pursue claims under these categories, but the process and requirements differ slightly by state.
Legal Differences Between Tennessee and California
Tennessee law requires plaintiffs to prove that the product was defective and that the defect caused their injury. The state also applies a statute of repose, which may bar claims if the product was purchased more than 10 years ago, regardless of when the injury occurred.
California, on the other hand, has a reputation for being more consumer-friendly. The state does not have a statute of repose, and it recognizes strict liability in many product injury cases. This means you don’t necessarily have to prove negligence—just that the product was defective and caused harm.
If your injury happened in Tennessee but the product came from California, or vice versa, it’s important to work with a legal team that understands both jurisdictions.
Types of Products That Commonly Cause Injuries
In our practice, we’ve seen injury claims involving a wide range of products, including:
- Lithium battery-powered devices like e-bikes and scooters
- Home appliances with faulty wiring or heating elements
- Children’s toys containing sharp parts or unsafe materials
- Sporting goods and bicycles with weak components
- Tools and machinery that fail during normal use
Some injuries are isolated incidents, while others are part of larger product recalls or mass tort litigation.
What to Expect From a Product Liability Claim
Every case starts with a careful investigation. Your attorney will want to preserve the product, consult with engineers or product safety experts, and document your injuries thoroughly. The goal is to establish a direct connection between the defect and your injury.
Depending on the size and scope of the issue, your case may remain an individual lawsuit or become part of a broader mass tort or class action. This is especially common for widespread defects that affect hundreds or thousands of consumers.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured
If you believe a defective product caused your injury:
- Keep the product and all packaging or instructions
- Document your injury with medical records and photos
- Write down when and how the incident occurred
- Avoid returning the product or speaking with the manufacturer until you’ve spoken with a lawyer
Talk to a Lawyer Who Knows Product Cases Inside and Out
Product liability lawsuits can be technical, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. But you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our firm has handled product cases across Tennessee and California, from single incidents to complex, multi-state litigation.
We’ve represented both injured consumers and manufacturers, so we understand how both sides approach these cases.
If you’ve been injured by a defective product and need clear answers, contact us today. We’ll evaluate your case, walk you through your options, and help you decide on the best path forward.
