Defining Product Liability Claims

In Ontario, manufacturers and merchants are responsible for the quality and safety of the products and equipment they make and sell.

When a product fails to perform as expected, is defective, or fails to carry a warning label or proper instructions for use, consumers may be able to pursue legal action to hold the manufacturer financially responsible for any loss or damage arising from use of the product.

Making sure consumers are aware of potential dangers related to use of a product is the reason we will often see warning labels for risks that seem fairly obvious, such as “Caution, coffee is hot”. While our expectation is that our morning cup of coffee should be nice and hot, most do not expect to be treated for severe burns as the result of an accidental spill. Reducing risk of liability covers the manufacturer from unwanted claims, and attempts to protect the consumer from unexpected harm.

As with many types of claims, product liability lawsuits are often settled out of court before a trial even begins. Other times, litigation can take years to complete. The best course of action is to choose experienced product liability lawyers in Ontario who can best advise you on how to proceed. If you have purchased a defective product, our lawyers can assist you in recovering damages and compensation, even if the manufacturer is not a Canadian company.