product liability

American  

noun

1. the responsibility of a manufacturer for injury or loss caused by its product.

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product liability British  

noun

1. the liability to the public of a manufacturer or trader for selling a faulty product

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Etymology

Origin of product liability

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

In product liability suits, plaintiffs typically seek to hold product makers responsible for failing to warn them of a known danger.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2026

Tom Longstaff, a partner and head of product liability at KP Law, said hundreds of veterans had joined the UK claim and thousands more had damaged hearing because of ear plugs that "don't work".

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2025

Lower courts have issued conflicting decisions over that issue, which also has implications for other major product liability lawsuits settled through the bankruptcy system.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2023

District Judge James Robart in Seattle on Tuesday rejected claims by the parents of Ethan McCarthy and Kristine Jónsson that Amazon was liable for negligence and violating Washington state product liability laws.

From Reuters • Jun. 28, 2023

The farm bill, transportation policy, product liability reform, enterprise zones.

From State of the Union Address by Bush, George