Who is liable for damage caused by a defective product?

Last updated
July 9, 2025
Who is liable for damage caused by a defective product?

The party that is held liable will depend on the circumstances of each individual case.

If the injury was due to negligence, the party who was negligent will be held liable.

If the injury was caused by a defective product, the "producer" of the product will be held liable. This is generally the manufacturer. In the event that the manufacturer can't be traced, has gone out of business or is located outside the EU, the importer of the product-such as the distributor or supplier-will be held liable.

A party that places its trademark on the product may also be held liable.

The party that is held liable will depend on the circumstances of each individual case.

If the injury was due to negligence, the party who was negligent will be held liable.

If the injury was caused by a defective product, the "producer" of the product will be held liable. This is generally the manufacturer. In the event that the manufacturer can't be traced, has gone out of business or is located outside the EU, the importer of the product—such as the distributor or supplier—will be held liable.

A party that places its trademark on the product may also be held liable.

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