What is a Manufacturing Defect?

Manufacturing Defect Definition

According to the legal dictionary, a manufacturing defect is a “deviation from design specifications during production resulting in a product’s defect, frailty, or shortcoming.” In lay terms, it means the manufacturer made an error either in the design or the fabrication of a product that causes it to not work as intended. This can be especially dangerous in many cases, such as those of faulty medical devices and prescription drugs.

When Does Manufacturing Defect Happen?

Even a product that is designed well can still harm the consumers that buy it. Manufacturing defects can happen when a product is improperly manufactured and strays from its intended design. A good example is a bottle of prescription medication that becomes contaminated if the lid does not function or if the contents of the bottle are contaminated by a worker or improperly maintained processing facility. In the case of medical devices, an IVC filter that prematurely breaks as the result of substandard manufacturing is considered a product with a manufacturing defect. These types of defects can cause serious injuries to their consumers, and their makers can be found liable in court.

Manufacturing Defect Law

Manufacturing defect law in the United States generally protects consumers who may become injured by a company’s defective products. This is commonly known as product liability law and allows injured plaintiffs to file a manufacturing defect lawsuit in order to enforce their rights and recover damages for their injuries.

These plaintiffs can recover monetary damages including those associated with hospital bills, continuing surgeries and medical care, prescription drugs, lost wages from their work, and even wrongful death other related damages. Manufacturing defect lawsuits also play an important role in making sure that companies who sell products in the United States and worldwide keep these products safe for consumers everywhere. However, some manufacturers can be in such a hurry to get their products to market that corners are cut and consumers pay.

Manufacturing defect lawsuits are increasingly difficult to prove. It is essential to have legal representation who can show that:

  1. The injury did occur
  2. The product was manufactured with a defect or defects
  3. These defects where in whole or in great part responsible for the injury
  4. The manufacturer was aware of these defects and did not act appropriately