Product Liability Lawsuits in Colorado

Products liability in Colorado

In Colorado, courts use one of two theories to analyze what happened in a defective product case: a negligence theory or a product liability theory, the latter of which is also referred to as “strict products liability.” This means that the person’s intent does not matter, as long as the plaintiff can prove that the product was defective.

We discussed negligence in this article. Products liability, on the other hand, tends to fall into one of three categories, each of which takes the manufacturer’s conduct into account.

Failure to warn

These are also called “marketing defects” and focus on actions in the supply chain. The product was properly designed, but it was not accompanied by the correct instructions or warnings. This lack of warnings made the product unreasonably dangerous to its intended consumers.

Failure to warn issues might include some of the following:

1. A medication that causes serious side effects if not taken with a full glass of water;
2. A child’s chair meant to clamp on to a table that falls if not installed correctly; or
3. A saw that causes serious injury if a person’s hand is in the wrong place.

Design defects

This is intended on the part of the manufacturer, because even if it was made flawlessly, it can still endanger the end user. A product can be considered unreasonably dangerous if it does not perform as safely as reasonably expected when a consumer uses it in its intended manner.

Some design defect case examples include the following:

1. A small toy that can be swallowed by a child;
2. A car that can accelerate suddenly on its own; or
3. A gun safety that still allows the gun to be fired.

Manufacturing defect

Even if the product were designed to be safe, the end result that left the facility was not in harmony with that design. If that end product then causes an injury to its intended user, the manufacturer can be held responsible.

Manufacturing issues might include the following:

1. Tread lines on tires;
2. A faulty lock on a car door; or
3. A safety buckle on a car seat.

Product liability damage caps in Colorado

Colorado state law follows a theory of pure comparative negligence.

This means that a plaintiff can still seek compensation under the justice system against a manufacturer, but their award may be reduced by his or her own degree of fault. So, for instance, if a jury awards a plaintiff $1 million but finds him to be 30% at fault, the plaintiff would receive $700,000.

Colorado also follows the economic loss rule, a judicially created doctrine that came about in Loughridge v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., which was intended to maintain clear boundaries between contract and tort law. Tort law, to remind the readers, is intended to protect individuals from physical harm to themselves or their property.

Contract law exists to enforce parties’ expectations and allocate risks during bargaining. So, the economic loss rule states that if a contract existed between the parties and the only damage was to the product itself, the plaintiff may not seek compensation.

What to look for in a Colorado defective product liability attorney

Make sure to look for an attorney who makes you feel comfortable, who puts your needs first and who devotes the necessary time to your case. Read lots of reviews and ask people who have used product liability attorneys before.

If you need someone to help you through this trying process, read some of the resources below and speak with some of Enjuris’ Colorado attorneys, who are well practiced in this area. They will be able to assist you.