When you buy something, you expect it to work properly and—more importantly—not harm you. Whether it’s a toaster, a toy, or a medical device, safety is a basic right. But what happens when that trust is broken and someone ends up injured? That’s where a defective product liability claim comes into play.
A study by Consumer Scotland estimated that between April 2020 and April 2021, approximately 14% of all 229.8 million consumer detriment incidents in the UK were related to faulty, unsafe, or broken goods. This equates to over 30 million such incidents across the UK in that period.
At Claim Time Solicitors, we specialise in helping people who are suffering get justice when things go wrong. If you’ve suffered because of a faulty product, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.
What is a defective product liability claim?
A defective product liability claim is a legal process where a consumer seeks compensation from a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer for injuries or losses caused by a faulty product. These claims are governed by the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and related product safety regulations in the UK.
The law states that if a product is defective and causes injury, the manufacturer can be held strictly liable, meaning you don’t need to prove negligence, just that the defect existed and caused your harm.
Common types of product defects
There are typically three main categories of product defects:
- Design defects – The product was poorly designed and unsafe from the start.
- Manufacturing defects –Something went wrong during production, resulting in faulty units.
- Marketing defects (Failure to warn) – Missing safety warnings, unclear instructions, or misleading labels.
Manufacturer negligence examples:
- Electrical appliances that catch fire
- Faulty car parts causing accidents
- Contaminated food or drugs
- Defective toys posing choking hazards
- Harmful cosmetics causing allergic reactions or skin damage
If it caused harm, it could be grounds for a personal injury claim.
When is the manufacturer at fault?
A manufacturer is at fault in a defective product case when the product is unsafe because of a poor design, a mistake during production, or missing warnings. For example, if a product was dangerous from the start, like a chair that easily tips over, that’s a design defect. If it was made with errors, like a blender with loose parts, that’s a manufacturing defect. And if there were no proper warnings or instructions, like a chemical with no safety label, that’s a failure to warn. If you were using the product correctly, and it caused an injury because of one of these issues, the manufacturer can be held responsible.
Who can be held liable?
You might think it’s only the manufacturer who is responsible, but that’s not always the case in the UK. If a product was made outside the UK, the importer can also be held accountable. Sometimes, even the shop or distributor that sold the product could be to blame. And don’t worry if you didn’t buy the product yourself – if it was a gift or something you used at work and it caused you harm, you may still be able to make a claim.
When can you make a claim for a defective product?
You may be eligible to file a defective product liability claim if:
- You were injured or suffered a loss as a result of using the product
- The product was defective (not just worn out or misused)
- The injury occurred within 10 years of the product being put into circulation
- The claim is made within 3 years of the injury or when you first became aware of it
What can you claim for?
A successful product liability claim may entitle you to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Repair or replacement of damaged property
Ongoing care and rehabilitation costs
Every case is different, and we’ll make sure no part of your suffering is overlooked.
Why choose Claim Time Solicitors?
At Claim Time Solicitors, we’re not just any legal team—we’re your allies, your voice, and your support through every step of the claims process. With thousands of successful cases handled every year, our expertise in defective product liability claims delivers results you can trust. From the very first free consultation, we take care of everything: assessing your case, gathering evidence, investigating the issue, and handling all communication with manufacturers or insurers.
Our No Win, No Fee policy means there’s no financial risk involved—if we don’t win, you don’t pay. We also fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve and offer support throughout your recovery, including access to medical professionals if needed.
At Claim Time Solicitors, you’re not just a case number—you’re a person, and we treat you with the care, respect, and dedication you deserve.
Ready to start your claim?
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, don’t delay. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be. At Claim Time Solicitors, our experienced team is ready to support you in making a successful defective product liability claim.
Call 0800 970 2727 or book a free call-back online—fast, free, no obligation!
A faulty product shouldn’t ruin your health, finances or peace of mind. Let Claim Time Solicitors take care of your defective product liability claim and help you get the justice you deserve.
Let’s not settle for less.
