When you purchase a product, you trust it to be safe and functional. If it fails and causes harm, you can file a defective product liability claim. Consumer Scotland’s study found that faulty products caused 14% of consumer problems in the UK from 2020 to 2021. This amounted to over 30 million incidents.
At Claim Time Solicitors, we help victims of faulty products get the compensation they deserve. We make the claims process straightforward and stress-free.
Table of Contents
Key takeaways:
- Faulty products cause widespread harm, with 30 million UK incidents highlighting real consumer risk
- You can claim compensation without proving negligence under strict product liability laws
- Manufacturers remain accountable for unsafe design, production faults, or missing safety warnings
- Liability may extend to importers, distributors, or retailers, depending on the product supply chain
- Delays or misuse claims can weaken your case if evidence is not preserved early
- Compensation can cover injury impact, financial loss, and long-term care needs
- Early legal advice helps confirm eligibility, protect evidence, and maximise compensation outcomes
What is a defective product liability claim?
A defective product liability claim allows a consumer to seek compensation. This compensation is for injuries or damage caused by a faulty product. The Consumer Protection Act 1987 and other relevant product safety regulations in the UK support these claims.
Under the law, if a product is defective and causes harm, the manufacturer is strictly liable. This means you don’t need to prove negligence, only that the defect existed and caused the injury.
Common types of product defects
Product defects typically fall into three main categories:
- 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
- Spoiled food or drugs
- Defective toys posing choking hazards
- Harmful cosmetics causing allergic reactions or skin damage
If any of these defects caused harm, you may have grounds for a defective product liability claim.
When is the manufacturer at fault?
A manufacturer is at fault if the product is unsafe. This can happen because of poor design, production errors, or missing safety warnings. For instance:
- Design defects: The product was dangerous from the start, like a chair that easily tips over.
- Manufacturing defects: An error during production, such as a blender with loose parts.
- Marketing defects (Failure to warn): Missing safety labels or unclear instructions, such as a chemical without a safety warning.
If you used the product correctly and it caused personal injury, the manufacturer is liable. This applies if the injury was due to one of these issues. In such cases, you can seek compensation by filing a product liability claim.
If a faulty product injures you, a legal expert will guide you through the process. They will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Who is responsible for liability?
In the UK, it’s not always just the manufacturer who is responsible for a defective product. If a product is made outside the UK, the importer is held responsible. Additionally, the distributor or retailer that sold the faulty product may be accountable for any harm caused.
You can still file a claim, even if you did not purchase the product yourself. This applies if the product caused you harm, whether it was a gift or used at work.
When can you claim a defective product?
You may be eligible to file a defective product claim if:
- You were injured by a defective product or suffered a loss as a result of using it.
- The product was defective (not just worn out or misused).
- The injury must occur within 10 years of the product’s sale or release into circulation.
- You must make the claim within 3 years of the injury or when you first become aware of it.
If you’re unsure about your case, use our claim checker to quickly assess if you qualify. You can also use our claim value estimator to get an idea of how much your claim may be worth based on your circumstances.
In some cases, a manufacturing or design defect can cause the injury, allowing you to file a claim.
What can you claim?
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 dedicate ourselves to being your trusted partner throughout the claims process. With years of experience, we have the expertise to deliver results you can rely on.
From your free initial consultation, we handle everything: assessing your case, gathering evidence, and communicating with manufacturers or insurers.
Our No Win No Fee policy means there’s no financial risk; if we don’t win, you don’t pay. We work to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Additionally, we offer ongoing support, including access to medical professionals if necessary.
At Claim Time Solicitors, you’re not just another case; you’re a priority. We treat you with the respect and dedication you deserve.
Ready to start your claim?
If you or a loved one were injured by a defective product, don’t wait. Acting quickly can strengthen your case. At Claim Time Solicitors, our expert team is ready to help you pursue a defective product liability claim.
Call 0800 970 2727 or schedule a free, no-obligation callback at your convenience.
A faulty product shouldn’t affect your health, finances, or peace of mind. Let Claim Time Solicitors handle your claim and secure the justice you deserve.
Ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
What is the time limit for making a product liability claim?
In the UK, you have three years to file a product liability claim. The time starts from either the date of the injury or when you first become aware of it. The product must cause injury within 10 years of the manufacturer selling it or putting it into circulation. If you discover the defect later, seek legal advice quickly to ensure you make your claim within the time frame.
Can I file a product liability claim if I didn’t purchase the product myself?
Yes, a product liability claim arises if a defective product harms you. This applies even if you didn’t purchase the product. The manufacturer, distributor, or retailer is responsible for any harm caused by their product. You do not need to be the direct purchaser to seek compensation.
Whether the product was a gift, purchased second-hand, or used at work, you may still be eligible to file a claim.
What types of compensation can I receive from a product liability claim?
You are entitled to expect compensation for the harm caused by a defective product. This may include compensation for pain and suffering from the injury, as well as medical expenses for treatment. If the injury affects your ability to work, you can claim compensation for lost earnings. Additionally, compensation could cover the repair or replacement of any damaged property and ongoing care and rehabilitation costs, if necessary.
Can I file a product liability claim for a product I used at work?
Yes, you can file a product liability claim for a product used at work if it causes harm. Whether the product was provided by your employer or used as part of your job, if the product was defective and led to an injury, you are entitled to seek compensation. This applies even if the product wasn’t purchased directly by you.
What should I do if I believe a product is defective but haven’t been harmed yet?
If you suspect a product is defective but haven’t yet been harmed, you should report the issue to the retailer, manufacturer, or appropriate regulatory body. Additionally, consult with a legal expert to explore your options. In some cases, you might still be eligible for a product liability claim if the defect poses a risk of harm, even if no injury has occurred yet.