Product Liability

Product Liability Attorneys in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

When a consumer purchases a product, they rightfully expect it to be safe for its intended use. Unfortunately, defective products — from children’s toys to auto parts to household appliances — cause thousands of serious injuries and deaths each year. These injuries are often the result of corporate negligence in design, manufacturing, or failure to warn.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we help victims and their families hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable when unsafe products cause harm. Our attorneys handle complex product liability litigation throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, using expert resources and strategic litigation tools to secure compensation for medical costs, lost income, and long-term damages.

Understanding Product Liability Law

Product liability is a legal framework that holds parties in the distribution chain responsible for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. Unlike many other personal injury cases, product liability claims often rely on strict liability — meaning victims do not need to prove negligence. Instead, they must demonstrate that the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous when it left the defendant’s control.

There are three primary types of product defects:

1. Design defects – inherent flaws in the product’s blueprint that make it unsafe (e.g., a car that’s prone to rollovers)
2. Manufacturing defects – errors during assembly or production that make a particular item unsafe (e.g., a cracked bicycle frame)
3. Marketing or labeling defects (failure to warn) – failure to provide adequate instructions or warnings (e.g., no choking hazard label on a toy)

Each theory requires different forms of evidence and legal argument, and may implicate different defendants along the supply chain.

Common Product Liability Claims We Handle

Our attorneys represent clients in a broad range of product-related injury cases, including:

• Defective pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• Toxic food products or packaging contamination
• Flammable clothing or poorly tested consumer electronics
• Dangerous children’s toys with choking or laceration risks
• Power tools and industrial equipment with insufficient safety guards
• Exploding batteries or faulty chargers
• Defective automotive components, including airbags, seatbelts, or tires

These cases often involve multiple parties and aggressive defense teams hired by insurance companies or manufacturers. We have the skill, resources, and trial experience to take them on.

Product Liability Law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania have adopted the doctrine of strict liability in product defect cases. However, each state approaches it slightly differently.

In New Jersey, product liability law is governed by the New Jersey Product Liability Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:58C). Under this statute, a manufacturer or seller can be held liable for harm caused by a product if:

• The product was not reasonably safe due to a design, manufacturing, or warning defect
• The defect existed when the product left the seller’s control
• The defect was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injury

In Pennsylvania, strict liability is also recognized under common law, but recent rulings — such as Tincher v. Omega Flex, 104 A.3d 328 (Pa. 2014) — have refined how courts evaluate design defects, requiring plaintiffs to prove that the product was “unreasonably dangerous.”

Regardless of the jurisdiction, our attorneys build compelling cases supported by engineering analyses, expert testimony, safety recalls, and industry standards. When necessary, we litigate aggressively in state or federal court.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Product liability claims are not limited to manufacturers. Depending on the facts, we may bring claims against:

• Designers and engineers
• Component part manufacturers
• Distributors and wholesalers
• Retailers and online sellers
• Marketing consultants (in some failure-to-warn cases)

We investigate every link in the supply chain to ensure maximum accountability.

Compensation for Product-Related Injuries

A successful product liability claim can result in significant compensation for:

• Emergency medical expenses and long-term treatment
• Rehabilitation and assistive devices
• Lost income and diminished future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement or permanent disability
• Wrongful death and funeral expenses

In egregious cases — such as when a company hides safety test results or continues selling a product despite known hazards — punitive damages may also be available to punish and deter misconduct.

Government Resources and Recalls

We frequently reference official recall and safety data in our cases. If you suspect a product is unsafe, check these trusted government sites:

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Recalls
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recalls

These databases help identify known defects and establish manufacturer knowledge of dangerous products.

Why Choose Ratliff Jackson LLP?

We bring decades of combined experience  and pride ourselves on representing individuals — not corporations. Our firm approaches every case with a strategic mindset, deep legal knowledge, and a commitment to securing results that support long-term recovery and justice.

Defective Product? Let Us Help You Fight Back

Dangerous products don’t belong in the hands of consumers. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, our attorneys are ready to investigate, advocate, and litigate on your behalf. From household products to industrial equipment, we know how to challenge manufacturers and their insurers.

To schedule a confidential consultation, call 856-209-3111 or visit our consultation request page. Our office is located at 811 Church Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, and we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions About Product Liability

Do I need to prove the manufacturer was negligent?
Not always. Product liability cases often rely on strict liability, meaning you only need to prove the product was defective and caused your injury.

What if I threw away the product after the injury?
It may still be possible to pursue your claim, especially if photos, purchase records, or batch/serial numbers are available. However, preserving the product is ideal. Contact an attorney right away.

Can I sue if the product was recalled after my injury?
Yes. A recall strengthens your case but is not required to prove liability. In fact, many dangerous products are never formally recalled.

What happens if the product was made overseas?
Importers, distributors, and U.S.-based sellers can still be held liable. You do not need to track down the foreign manufacturer to file a claim.

Is there a time limit for filing a claim?
Yes. In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of injury. Early legal action is crucial to preserving evidence and protecting your rights.

Can I file a class action lawsuit for a defective product?
Possibly. Class actions are appropriate when many people are injured by the same defect, such as with certain medications or consumer electronics. We assess both individual and class action options depending on the case.