Product Liability Laws in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, when you buy anything from toothpaste to a riding lawnmower, you expect it to function properly without causing harm. However, if you find yourself injured due to a product’s malfunction despite using it as intended, you might wonder what your legal options are. Massachusetts law provides robust protection for consumers through product liability claims and the Consumer Protection Act, making it crucial for both consumers and businesses to understand these regulations.

Product Liability in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

Massachusetts is recognized as a strict liability state, meaning if a product injures you, you don’t need to prove that the manufacturer or seller was negligent. The law automatically holds manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers responsible if their product is found defective.

Defects can be categorized into three main types: manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to warn defects. Regardless of the defect type, you have three years from the date of injury to file a claim, emphasizing the importance of acting promptly.

Who Can Sue and Be Sued?

The scope of potential plaintiffs is broad, encompassing not only the original purchaser but also their family members, guests, and employees who might be injured by the defective product. On the flip side, any party in the chain of distribution, from manufacturers to retailers, can be held liable.

This comprehensive approach ensures that consumers are protected from various angles, whether the issue lies in the product’s design, manufacturing process, or the lack of adequate warnings.

Navigating Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law (Chapter 93A)

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A, also known as the Consumer Protection Act, plays a critical role in safeguarding consumers against unfair or deceptive business practices. This statute is not limited to product defects; it also covers cases where businesses fail to provide clear information, mislead consumers, or do not honor warranty agreements.

If a business violates this law, consumers can take legal action, potentially resulting in compensatory or even double or treble damages if the business’s violation was willful and knowing.

For businesses, understanding the obligations under Chapter 93A is crucial to avoid legal pitfalls. The law encourages fair dealing and transparency, aiming to foster a trustworthy marketplace for consumers.

How to Proceed with a Product Liability Claim

If you’re injured by a defective product, the first step is to seek medical attention. Then, consult with a personal injury lawyer experienced in Massachusetts product liability claims. Your lawyer will guide you through the process of filing a claim, from investigating the product’s design and manufacturing process to consulting with experts.

In cases where the product’s defect is clear, and the harm is significant, the pathway to recovery may involve proving the defect and showing that the manufacturer or seller knew or should have known about it. For more severe violations, especially those under Chapter 93A involving willful or knowing misconduct, victims may recover double or treble damages.

Bottom Line

In Massachusetts, when things go wrong with a product you’ve bought—whether it’s because it was made wrong, designed poorly, or didn’t come with the right warnings—you might have a strong case to get compensated for your troubles. This is thanks to the state’s product liability laws.

These laws say that if you’re hurt by a product because of one of these problems, you can take legal action, even if you don’t have a direct buying relationship (privity of contract) with the maker of the product.

There are a few different types of product defects that can lead to a lawsuit. Manufacturing defects happen when something goes wrong during the making of the product, and it ends up being different from all the others that were made correctly. Design defects are deeper issues, where the way the product was planned makes it unsafe. Marketing defects are about failures to give proper instructions or warnings that could have prevented the injury.

In these cases, it’s not just about proving the product was defective. You’ve got to show how this defect directly led to your injury or loss. This could mean showing how a missing warning led to an unexpected risk of injury, or how a flaw in the product’s design made it dangerous to use as intended.

Massachusetts law gives you a backup with implied warranties, like the warranty of merchantability, which basically promises that a product will do what it’s supposed to do safely and for a reasonable amount of time.

There are also express warranties, which are specific promises made by the seller about the product’s quality or performance. If these promises are broken, it’s called a breach of warranty, and it can be another reason to file a lawsuit.

Product liability cases can cover a wide range of problems, from minor defects that cause inconvenience to serious issues that lead to pain and suffering. The state’s laws are set up to protect consumers, making it clear that you don’t have to prove the manufacturer or seller was careless—just that the product was defective and caused harm. This is known as strict product liability.

If you find yourself hurt or suffering because of a defective product, these laws are there to help make things right. Whether it’s a manufacturing flaw, a design mistake, or a marketing oversight, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.

Remember, the goal of product liability lawsuit is not just about getting what you’re owed, but also about making sure that companies take responsibility for the safety of what they put into the world.

If you’ve been hurt by a defective product, don’t go through it alone. Call us at Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers. We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let’s make sure those responsible are held accountable. Contact us today!