Product Liability

• Common Law– “Caveat Emptor”– Privity

• Court Law

• Legislation

Product Liability

• Negligence

• Strict Liability– Product defects

• Manufacturing

• Design

• Marketing

Product Liability

• Absolute liability

• Market-share liability

Product Liability

• Exceptions

• Public Policy

• Consequences

Product Liability

• Reform proposals– Uniform federal standards– Burden of proof shift– Eliminate specific bases for some claims– Loser pays legal fees– Cap punitive damages

Deceptive Trade Practices Act

• False representation

• Exculpation– Written– 2 year statute of repose

Product Liability

• International Differences– EU

• Strict liability in 1988• Capped damages

– Japan• 1995 Act• Design or manufacturing negligence

– US• Jury trials• Contingency Fees• Punitive Damages